After holding the Miami Dolphins to just eight points in the regular season opener, the Indianapolis Colts’ defense turned a lot of heads. Key to that shutdown performance was the play of safety Cam Bynum. The former three-year starter for the Minnesota Vikings delivered immediate results after the Colts signed him this offseason to a big contract.
Against the Dolphins, Bynum notched three tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception on Miami’s very first offensive drive. Per PFF, Bynum scored an 87.2 grade, second-highest among all safeties in Week 1.
Bynum had to play a big role again in Week 2, as the Colts faced off against the Denver Broncos, who hung 31 points on them in 2024. Thankfully, he was up to the task and made a massive play exactly when he needed to.
Indianapolis Colts safety Cam Bynum has interceptions in back-to-back games
Early in the fourth quarter, Indianapolis had just turned the ball over on downs, and the Broncos were knocking on the door of the red zone. Denver already had a 28-23 lead — another score could have sealed the game. The Colts desperately needed a game-changing play, and Bynum was about to give it to them.
On a crucial third down, Denver QB Bo Nix’s pass sailed over the head of top wideout Courtland Sutton and into the hands of a diving Bynum. Bynum was covering the deep ball, perfectly positioned to take advantage of Nix’s errant throw. Once he was given the opportunity, there was no doubt that Bynum was coming down with the ball — for the second time this year.
Bynum’s play changed the trajectory of the game and likely saved Indianapolis from a brutal home loss. The Colts made a pair of field goals on the two drives after the interception to steal a win. The pick was the highlight of Bynum’s stat sheet, which also included four tackles and one pass breakup.
The Colts needed Bynum to have a great performance, as the Indianapolis defense was missing key players in Week 2. No. 1 corner Charvarius Ward and starting edge rusher Laiatu Latu both missed the game, as did third-year cornerback Jaylon Jones. Bynum’s playmaking knack was a huge boost for the shorthanded secondary.
For the first time in his career, Bynum has picks in back-to-back games. While Bynum has never made a Pro Bowl, he may be on the verge of earning his first appearance in his fifth NFL season. There’s a long way to go, but Bynum looks like an absolute stud and dream signing through two weeks.
For the time being, Indianapolis fans hope to see more standout performances from Bynum in the coming weeks. It doesn’t hurt that every big play comes with an award-worthy celebration.