When it comes to helping (and planning against) great quarterbacks, few people might have a better understanding of the position than Belichick. From coaching Tom Brady for two decades to trying to defend greats like Peyton Manning, Belichick has certainly been around the block.
With the Patriots facing the Ravens (-2.5) this Sunday, Belichick’s praise toward Jackson’s direction on Wednesday was noteworthy. One of the greatest coaches of all time knows what Jackson is capable of. As anonymous people in the league continue to lob what feels like unwarranted criticisms at the Ravens’ superstar, Belichick isn’t buying it.
For someone who usually keeps tight-lipped about most situations in public, Belichick didn’t mince his words in complimenting the Baltimore talisman:
Bill Belichick on if Lamar Jackson has answered all the pre-draft concerns people had with him:
“Without a doubt. He’s the type of players that’s an MVP candidate. … Wait until we see what his contract is, that will answer them."
(🎥 @Patriots)
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 21, 2022
“… He’s the type of player that’s an MVP candidate.”
It doesn’t get any more succinct or salient than that. (Note: After winning the award in 2019, Jackson became one of only two unanimous MVPs in NFL history after Tom Brady in 2010).
Belichick also knows firsthand how the multifaceted Jackson can tear apart his own defensive scheme. In two career games against Belichick’s Patriots, Jackson is a combined 41-of-57 for 412 passing yards and three touchdowns and has gashed New England for 116 rushing yards (on 4.3 yards per carry) and two scores on the ground. The Ravens went 1-1 in both affairs.
As Jackson plays this season without the mega (fully guaranteed) contract he was seeking, acclaim like this from one of the best to ever roam a sideline holds more weight. And hey, perhaps Belichick will end up being right: Jackson’s next deal, wherever it happens, will very likely reflect his status as a superstar signal caller.
Who knows? It might even happen in New England.
NFL fans had lots of thoughts about Belichick's assessment of Jackson's talent.
W Bill https://t.co/OjWLYtx7Z2
— Xan (@TruzzXan) September 21, 2022
Bill & Lamar = SB https://t.co/y9lJw9I29I
— Kyle (@getmoneystew) September 21, 2022
This is tampering #RavensFlock https://t.co/HVB5QEgpYY
— Roonaldo (@Harooney98) September 21, 2022
What if this dude gets ahold of Lamar Jackson? 😩😩😩 I think he's gonna go to Miami tho https://t.co/vUsILmV4VS
— Mr. Brooks (@BrianBShynin) September 21, 2022
Look at Bill trying to be slick….. https://t.co/VY5u2rdLjE
— Some_Sports_Fan (@SA21_DC4) September 21, 2022
Bill knows he would move off Mac Jones and give Lamar 235M fully guaranteed tomorrow if he could! https://t.co/GdJSGOovm2
— Joe Pennington (@LegendOfPenn) September 21, 2022
I know what he’s trying to do here lol https://t.co/uZaXOxjyQ5
— Glenn Burton (@G2daB83) September 21, 2022
If the Ravens don’t pay him we know the Patriots will https://t.co/Bp1hDwXOPF
— DᴀJᴏᴋᴇʀ (@xDaJoker16x) September 21, 2022
BB about to offer Lamar $235M https://t.co/6htf4JgOdK
— Justin Ramos (@NEPinsider) September 21, 2022
