It is quite possible that he confused the whole 1700s = 18th century thing and knew that “its off by one century” and just went the wrong way. Sure, he wasn’t perfect, but most of us say things that are wrong from time to time. You are very fortunate to have the gift of perfection. Congratulations, but please cut the rest of us some slack!
Imho, he’s not terribly bright and simply didn’t know that he was wrong, or why.
I would agree with you but he said: 16th Century, not 17th century or 1700s. He was getting the time of John Adams confused with the time of Copernicus. Let’s just get real on this gaffe.