The Great Quarterback debate Tim Tebow vs. Cam Newton who would you take?

The fact is many analysts said that neither Tebow nor Newton would transition well to the NFL style of play at quarterback. There was much talk about throwing motion, Hollywood attitudes, run first-pass second play, the list goes on and on but it seems that both Tebow and Newton are showing that heart, desire and sheer will to win can really transition into the NFL game. In this article we want to look at both quarterbacks and how their games have really been productive this season and how in many ways they are similar yet very different in style. So let’s take a look and ask who would you take to lead your team?

For Tim Tebow the road to the NFL was one filled with much success, while at the University of Florida he was quite possibly the greatest quarterback to ever put on a gator uniform. While at the University of Florida Tebow was a 2-time SEC champion, 2-time BCS national champion, 2-time first team All-American, 2007 AP Player of the Year and 2007 Heisman Trophy winner. Needless to say he was really successful in the college game but many wondered how that would translate in the NFL. The talk of Tebow was that he could not be an NFL quarterback, his throwing motion was too long, he didn’t have the mindset to read difficult NFL defenses, and he like to run too much. In the 2010 NFL draft the Denver Broncos took a chance in the first round with the 25 th pick taking Tebow, many questioned the decision and thought they may try to use him as a decoy or a type of “hybrid” quarterback much like Kordell Stewart in Pittsburgh years ago. Tebow did not start for the Broncos but as bad play continued in Denver from the team many fans of the organization were shouting for Tebow to have playing time. In 2011 it was Tebow time and he has made the most of his fortune, for Denver this season he has 16 touchdowns to 5 interceptions over 1900 passing yards, over 700 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns and let’s just say that “Tebow-mania” has swept Denver possibly even most of the nation. As he truly stepped in as the starter in 2011 the Broncos have gone 6-2 in games he has started and have come from behind to win many times this season, regardless of whether you like the guy or not the fact is he wins, all he does is win.

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Cam Newton coming out of college to the NFL was much like a dream, while playing at Auburn University; Newton led his team to the BCS national championship in 2011. Some accolades for Newton the 2010 AP Player of the Year, Walter Camp Award, Maxwell award, Davey O’Brien award, Manning award, Heisman Trophy winner, etc… Newton much like Tebow was a winner in college whether it was Blinn Junior College or at Auburn, Cam Newton knows how to lead a team to the promise land. For Newton many wondered if his game, much like Tebow would transition well to an NFL style offense. Newton while at Auburn was the main offensive weapon, much of a run first; pass second style of play but not many doubted his arm strength but just his decision making. In 2011 the Carolina Panthers chose Newton with the 1 st overall pick in the NFL draft, many questioned why Newton with many other “more accomplished” quarterbacks in the draft class. Needless to say the Panthers are very happy with their selection. Some of Newton’s accomplishments this season, 15 touchdowns with 16 interceptions, passing for over 3,500 yards with over 500 yards rushing and a record 13 rushing touchdowns. It has not been a successful season for the Panthers in the win/loss column but they feel that they have found their quarterback for the future in Newton. You can bet that it will be “Newton’s Law” in Carolina for years to come.

So there you have it two quarterbacks with similar styles but yet are so different in many aspects of their game. So who would you take? Newton with his 6’5” 248lbs. frame, the rocket arm and escapability or Tebow with the 6’3” 236lbs. frame, the desire to win, tenacious running ability and ability to make plays with the game on the line. Both look to have a solid future for their respective teams, their success will hinge on how hard they will work and the desire to get better.

By Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer