New York Giants

Giants safety Nat Berhe calls out former DC Perry Fewell

Published Apr. 23, 2015 5:59 p.m. ET

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What started as a simple fluff question about new defensive coordinator Steve Spagunolo escalated into a loaded answer from New York Giants safety Nat Berhe. Berhe was asked about how he's taken to the new personality that Spagnuolo brings to the team, and while praising his new defensive boss he took a subtle shot at his old one.

"Coach [Spagnuolo], you know, I can talk to him. I don't know if I could say that about the last coordinator," Berhe said to reporters on Thursday, referring to Fewell. "He was good, but Coach Spags is someone I can have a conversation with, just talk to in the halls and stuff like that. Coach Spags also coached my cousin, [cornerback] Jimmy Smith, who plays for the Ravens, so we know each other."

That wasn't the only aspect of Fewell's repertoire that Berhe wasn't a big fan of. Berhe echoed sentiments made by many Giants fans throughout Fewell's tenure as it applied to his passive defensive scheme.

"Last year I felt like we were more reacting, just waiting and reacting instead of really getting after it."

He won't need to worry about that now. Spagnuolo's aggresive scheme and play-calling are ingrained in the DNA of who he is as a defensive coordinator.

Berhe is in line to compete for a starting safety job in 2015 despite playing only 32 defensive snaps as a rookie in 2014. He is certain that as long as he steps his game up, he will have an equal chance to earn his role in 2015.

"Know the playbook, make plays. I think that's what it really comes down to. Everybody gets caught up in seniority and things like that, but if you make plays, I mean there's no reason why you shouldn't be starting."

The Giants are likely to add another option at safety in next week's draft, but keep in mind that this year's safety draft class is thought to be one of the weakest among all the position groups. Berhe is definitely a name to keep on your radar throughout OTAs and training camp.

(h/t True Jersey)

Photo Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports