Matt Canada has known Germaine Pratt since Canada was on the N.C. State coaching staff during Pratt’s recruitment to the Wolfpack.
That’s a fact that Canada alluded to Thursday when asked about Pratt’s comments to CBS Sports after Sunday’s Cincinnati Bengals victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pratt, a Bengals linebacker, was asked about adjustments Cincinnati made after the Steelers’ 20-point first half that quickly devolved into the Steelers — with Canada calling their plays as the coordinator — not getting a first down in the third quarter.
“We knew what they were going to do,” Pratt said. “They like to do the same plays over and over.”
Canada’s first comments to media since came Thursday.
“I think it’s good for you guys to talk about it,” Canada said. “We have good self scouting.
“Coach (Mike) Tomlin addressed it (during Tomlin’s Tuesday news conference). My answer wouldn’t continue the narrative you’re hunting. There is a back story to that. I’ll leave it there.”
Tomlin on Tuesday acknowledged some “repeat concepts” in the Steelers’ offensive scheme. But he brushed off Pratt’s comment: “That is what they say when they’re having success, and they don’t say it when they are not. I don’t worry much about that. I focus on things that are in our control.”
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Canada, who was N.C. State’s offensive coordinator from 2013-15, at one point Thursday broke down virtually every offensive snap that occurred during the third quarter against the Bengals.
A three-year starter with the Bengals, Pratt’s time at N.C. State was 2014-18.
Canada did repeat a much-used line of his that when the offense is not performing, the blame falls on him and not his players.
Thursday, Canada was asked how, if each play has options, it also could appear predictable.
“You’re putting me in a spot where I can’t answer that question,” Canada said. “I appreciate the question. It was brought to my attention what was said. I’ve know Pratt since he was in high school. As you guys do all your investigating, sometimes there is more to stories. It is what it is. We didn’t win the game. We were not good enough second half.”
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