Jets vs. Patriots: 5 Reasons Gang Green Can Take Its Rival

And just like that, the New York Jets are atop the AFC East.

Well, I guess at the bottom as well.

NFL fans paying attention to the standings noticed the shocking parity through six games in the division that contains the Jets, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills.

ESPN's Adam Schefter said it perfectly in a tweet on Sunday evening:

"

Just like everyone predicted: After six weeks, there's now a four-way tie for first place in the AFC East.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)"

Sunday's game between Gang Green and Brady's Bunch is a huge chance for the Jets to get a leg up on the perennial winners from Foxborough and start 3-0 in division play early in 2012.

Here are five reasons that New York can take down its rival.

1. Shonn Greene Is in Fact Alive

It had been ugly.

Real ugly.

In his previous four games, Shonn Greene ran the ball 49 times, compiling a total of only 103 yards with no touchdowns.

Cue Sunday's contest, and the fourth-year running back from the University of Iowa amassed 161 yards and three scores.

Sure, it was against the Indianapolis Colts, but Greene was all over the field.

If he can carry his hot game into Gillette Stadium, the feisty Patriots run defense will have a challenge to rise up against.

2. Antonio Cromartie Is Healthy and Awesome

Simply put, dude's a freak.

Antonio Cromartie already has three interceptions to date in the young season.

He is facing a couple of talented receivers in Brandon Lloyd and Wes Welker, but the Florida State product is always up for a challenge.

It doesn't matter to Cromartie who his assignment is because he can lock down every receiver in the NFL.

He did it to Andre Johnson, and he can do it to the Patriots on Sunday.

3. Mark Sanchez Has Something to Prove

Mark Sanchez has to be sick of hearing about calls every week for media-favorite Tim Tebow to be the starting quarterback.

That's a pretty safe bet.

B/R writer Jesse Reed says that this game is a personal must-win for Sanchez.

Is there a better way for Sanchez to prove he is the man to lead the Jets to Rex Ryan's repeatedly promised land than to beat the Patriots?

4. New England Is Beatable

The Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals aren't scrubs by any means, but both teams are the definition of streaky yet topped the New England Patriots.

Mostly through the air, New England gives up a ton of yards on defense.

If Mark Sanchez comes out ready to play and the Jets establish anything that remotely resembles a running threat, New York can put some points on the board and keep it close all the way to the end.

Although not easy to force, New England does make mistakes.

Teams that have capitalized on these miscues (turnovers and penalties) have come out on top, and that's where New York must change the course of the game.

5. Rex Ryan Will Have the Jets Focused

I really hope you were expecting something insanely annoying about Tim Tebow, but not to worry.

Instead, ladies and gentlemen, Rex Ryan!

According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, the Jets head coach reassured the media that he expects to beat the Patriots and is keeping his attention on New York's game plan and not New England's struggles.

Good ol' Rex has talked a big game before, though. It's easier said than done.

Just because the Jets can win doesn't mean they will.

But they want it. A lot.