Bill Belichick says Lamar Jackson's next contract will answer early questions about his ability in the pocket

With a game against the Baltimore Ravens up next on the schedule, it seems natural that New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is fielding questions about Lamar Jackson.

Belichick is, after all, a defensive-minded head coach, and his top priority this weekend will be slowing Jackson down. That's easier said than done, though. Just ask the Miami Dolphins. Even though Miami got a win over Jackson's Ravens in Week 2, they still allowed him to rush for 119 yards and a touchdown on nine carries while throwing for 318 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

Jackson is the true definition of a dual-threat quarterback — he can hurt an NFL defense just as much as a runner as he can as a passer. There were some questions about his ability as more than a runner heading out of college, but a great case can be made that Jackson has answered those questions and more.

The stats alone will do it. He threw for 3,127 and 36 touchdowns with just six interceptions in 2019, the year he won the NFL's MVP award. Even last season, in which Jackson missed five games due to injury, saw the quarterback throw for 2,882 yards and 16 touchdowns (with 13 interceptions) in 12 games.

Sure, the interceptions weren't great in 2021, but Jackson has thrown only one so far this season compared to six touchdowns. 

Either way, the question of whether or not he can be a legitimate NFL quarterback has been answered and more ever since the Ravens drafted him with the No. 32 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

According to Belichick, Jackson's next contract will be another point of proof of his ability.

"Without a doubt," Belichick said when asked by the media if Jackson has answered questions about his ability to stand in and be a quarterback in the pocket. "MVP type of candidate. Wait until we see what his contract is; that will answer them."