Cam Bynum Interception in Ravens Game

EAGAN, Minn. – It would have been understandable if Camryn Bynum battled some pregame nerves Sunday.

It probably was even expected. After all, the rookie safety received a call from Vikings defensive backs coach Karl Scott less than 10 minutes after waking up in his Baltimore hotel room: “You’re up.”

After playing just nine defensive snaps (five against Seattle and four against Dallas) through the Vikings first seven games, Bynum was getting the call to start in place of Harrison Smith, who had been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

“Just like we talked about earlier in the season, you’re one play, one mishap away from being the guy, so I was blessed enough to get the opportunity,” Bynum said. “He called me, and I told him, ‘I’m ready.’ “

Asked about any anxiety before stepping into a much larger role, Bynum simply offered a comfortable smile.

“I didn’t have any nerves, to be honest,” he said. “Just through this whole process, it’s been a privilege to sit behind [Smith] and [Xavier Woods], and to be able to learn so much from them.

“I didn’t have any nerves, just because I knew and I was confident in my preparation,” Bynum reiterated. “Every week, I prepare like a starter, and being able to watch Harry and watch X, I’ve learned so much by being able to listen and hear their conversations and see what they do on the field in practices and games. Watching them helped me out so much.”

The 23-year-old didn’t only make his first NFL start, though. He nabbed his first career interception, picking off 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson to help give Minnesota a chance.