Minnesota’s defense has had to play without the help of key veterans recently.
During the bye week, the Vikings placed CB Patrick Peterson on IR. Also, the Vikings placed S Harrison Smith on the COVID-19/Reserve list. Smith has been out the last two games.
With Smith out, Vikings S Camryn Bynum has made the most of his new role. Bynum intercepted a pass in his first NFL start in Week 9. Bynum sacked Chargers QB Justin Herbert this week.
Bynum has a PFF grade of 90.5 thus far. Without accounting for snaps, that makes him the highest-graded safety for 2021. The Vikings can’t ask for much more from a backup defensive back.
‘I think I’ve shown I can be a reliable player in this league,” Bynum said on Monday.
Smith has yet to be activated off the COVID-19/Reserve list. If Smith continues to miss time, expect Bynum to continue to have a big role on the Vikings defense. Even with Smith healthy, Bynum may have played his way into the defensive back rotation.