Look out, Jets: Tom Brady is nearly unbeatable at home vs. AFC East

Nov 24, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after a completed pass against the Denver Broncos during overtime at Gillette Stadium Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Brady isn't unbeatable at Gillette Stadium, but he's pretty close to it. Greg M. Cooper USA TODAY Sports

On Sunday, Foxboro will be the site of a showdown between the New York Jets and New England Patriots with first place in the AFC East on the line. The Jets have showed that they're likely to be the Patriots' toughest test thus far, but history doesn't give them much of a chance.

It's well documented that Tom Brady doesn't often lose games at home. What's not as well known is just how dominant Brady and the Patriots are at home against divisional opponents. In his career, Brady is 34-4 against the AFC East at home. That doesn't exactly bode well for the Jets' chances of winning, but each season is a new one.

Of those four losses, though, the Jets are responsible for two of them. They're the only AFC East team to beat the Patriots twice at home, meaning the Dolphins and Bills have each handed New England one loss over that time period.

Does that mean the Jets have no chance to knock off the Patriots on Sunday. Absolutely not. There's a reason why they're 4-1 and leading the NFL in total defense. They also have the NFL's leading rusher in yards per game, and have allowed just two sacks this season -- also best in the league.

If the Jets want to play the role of spoiler and put the first blemish on New England's record, they'll need to continue to do what they do best: run the ball and play outstanding defense. If they can do that with their stout defensive line and great secondary led by Darrelle Revis, they could find themselves on top of the AFC East on Sunday.

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