Eric Dickerson -- Justin Bieber Coulda Used a Good Ass-Whoopin'

Justin Bieber woulda had a lot less problems in life ... if his mama woulda dished out a few good ass-whoopings over the years ... so says NFL legend Eric Dickerson.

As you may know, Dickerson is no stranger to Biebs -- they were neighbors in Calabasas and E.D. says he would often see the kid driving dangerously fast around town.

Bieber eventually moved -- and Wednesday night he made a new video explaining that he truly wants to change for the better.

So, does Eric think Bieber has a shot to become a better person?

"It's possible," Dickerson says.

But check out the video -- Dickerson explains why "a good ass whoopin' never hurt nobody" ... and why he believes tough love from a parent made him a BETTER PERSON in the long run.