Romeo Crennel’s press conferences are seldom exhibitions of eloquence or excitement. He’s the master of staying on message, mercilessly, to the point of triteness and tautology. We’re gonna continue to try to improve, and I think then we’ll be a little better. That kind of stuff, ad nauseum.
Romeo plays it excessively close to the vest, but he’s also basically an honest guy. He’s no quote machine, but if you watch one of his pressers, the key is to listen carefully to the question while focusing on his body language and immediate response. In the hint of a smile or the length of a pause, you’ll glean some truth, but it’s generally too ethereal to set into ink.
That said, here’s the newsworthy nugget du jour:
Question: Do you anticipate any kind of tinkering in the bye week with your coaching staff?Crennel: Uh, we’re gonna evaluate that, and we’ll see what happens.
Clearly, this is a vote of no confidence in offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon and his play-calling. Not in so many words, but it was unmistakable. That doesn’t mean that Mo is a sure goner this week, but if his firing were announced forthwith, I would be happy but not a bit surprised. I’ve been patient, but it’s been clear to me since last season that Carthon is not up to the job, and any improvement in the meantime has been insufficient.
More likely, perhaps, is that play-calling duties will be at least partially reassigned. Offensive line coach Jeff Davidson, who earned the added title of assistant head coach this year, is a likely candidate for an increased role. It’s possible that Carthon may balk at that, hastening his inevitable ouster. It’s also quite plausible that Romeo will keep any such “tinkering” on the down-low so as not to insult his coordinator. Reporters will have to ask, and watchful eyes will have to turn carefully toward the sidelines, and maybe even the booth upstairs, as the offensive plays are called.
It’s obvious that the status quo is not working, and that Romeo is not just going to ride it out.
