The leash was incredibly short for Mac Jones in Week 7's matchup against the Chicago Bears Monday night in Foxborough. After throwing a pick early in the contest — and just through three series — Jones was pulled from the game by New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and gave the QB duties to Billy Zappe.

Peyton Manning, who was doing ESPN's ManningCast for that game, shared his thoughts about the Patriots' decision to bench Mac Jones (h/t Khari Thompson of Boston.com).

“That’s a hard way to play quarterback right?” Manning said. “If you’re hesitant to make a play knowing you’re going to come out, that’s tough. My guess is he didn’t know that was the deal.”

Manning also said that he's not a big fan of yanking quarterbacks right after an error just like what Belichick did to Jones against the Bears.

Article Continues Below
More New England Patriots News
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Mike Florio examines ‘complicated’ Stefon Diggs cut scenarioBen Strauss ·
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel (center) with Eastern Washington receiver Efton Chism III (left) and Patriots cornerback Kobee Minor (right)
3 New England Patriots hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowJaren Kawada ·
Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) walks towards the sideline before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Patriots rumors: Stefon Diggs being cut ‘on the table’ amid viral videoMike Gianakos ·
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Stefon Diggs’ future hinges on truth over boat party says Albert BreerJake Faigus ·
New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (69) defends against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. (93) at Allegiant Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Controversial 1st-Round pick on chopping block to be cutConor Roche ·
New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) watches from the sideline during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium.
2-time Super Bowl champion retires after 10 seasons with PatriotsConor Roche ·

“They’ve got confidence in Zappe, he’s made some good decisions,” Manning said. “But, I hate that for a quarterback to throw an interception, we’ve all thrown them, and you usually don’t come out right away in the second quarter. We’ll see how Zappe does.”

The Patriots will have a big decision to make ahead of Week 8 on whether they will start Jones again or let Zappe take the QB1 reins for at least the contest against the New York Jets on the road this coming Sunday. Zappe engineered two touchdown drives after he subbed for Jones but he also finished the game with two interceptions and a lost fumble.

The Patriots are last in the AFC East division with a 3-4 record.