As the Patriots prepared for Sunday’s slugfest against Lamar Jackson’s Ravens at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Pats head coach Bill Belichick talked about the talented dual-threat signal-caller and how he’s progressed as a pocket passer since his arrival into the league in 2018. He also referenced Jackson’s contract situation.
“Without a doubt. It’s the type of player. The MVP type of candidate. I think he’s more than answered them. But, we’ll see what his contract is, that will answer them.”
Jackson and the Ravens were unable to come to an agreement on a lucrative long-term contract extension prior to the season. Jackson is currently playing on the final year of his rookie deal, which happens to also be the fifth-year option of the deal. He’s set to earn just north of $23 million this season.
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
Jackson And Belichick Had Friendly Meeting At 2018 Pre-Draft Meeting
During his Wednesday post-practice presser, Jackson addressed his health, saying his elbow, which was roughed up last game, is fine. He also elaborated on a 2018 pre-draft meeting with “The Hoodie.”
“I’ve seen Belichick smile. Usually when I see him, he’s puzzled face, a straight-faced guy. When I saw a smile, I was like, Damn, you’ve got humor.”
"I wasn't expecting you to be smiling!" @Lj_era8 on his pre-draft meeting with Bill Belichick 😂 pic.twitter.com/S3TQyZOxKi
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 21, 2022
While the meeting didn’t lead to the Patriots taking the 2016 Heisman Trophy and 2019 NFL MVP winner, Belichick did tell Boston reporters this:
“Great visit, spent a lot of time with him. Really interesting guy.”
Jackson’s Pocket Improvement Has Been On Display In The First Two Weeks
Jackson spent his offseason bulking up and working on his accuracy from the pocket. And thus far this season it looks as if that work is paying off. In two games this season he’s passed for 531 yards, six touchdowns and just one interception. He’s completing 64 percent of his passes and he’s also hit the deep ball with regularity, with four of his six touchdown tosses coming from at least 23 yards out.
"I'm feeling good." @Lj_era8 pic.twitter.com/cLDnR88hqH
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 21, 2022
With his elite athleticism and ability to play off-schedule, if he’s gonna continue to make strides in the passing game, the sky is the limit for Jackson and the Ravens passing game going forward.
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