"Let's get the obvious out of the way. Adalius Thomas is not a happy man. The anger just dripped from the six different "Ask Bill" replies he gave yesterday when asked to explain his benching in the Patriots' 59-0 win over the Titans Sunday.

The more important issue is what that anger means. Will it serve as motivation, as Bill Belichick likely hoped by sitting the starting linebacker in a stunning move, or will it go in the other direction? Has the Pats coach lost the 10-year veteran, who was informed by position coach Matt Patricia that he wasn't needed for the first time in his career?

Thomas took offense to the notion that he required this kind of dramatic nudge to produce on the field and play better than he has been.

"I don't need something like this to fire me up. You just go out there and do your job," he said. "It's not kindergarten. I don't play mental games."

Thomas, although admittedly shocked, wouldn't say he was embarrassed by the first healthy scratch of his career. Listening to his words, however, and especially his delivery, it was easy to sense he was deeply hurt. It was also interesting to hear he had yet to speak with Belichick about the benching.

"I'm here just like Bill is every day so if somebody has a problem with you, they come talk to you," Thomas said. "Ain't nobody said nothing to me.""