Tim Tebow: Jets QB Will Shine Running the Ball in Preseason Matchup with Giants

New York Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow will shine as a runner in the Jets' preseason matchup with the crosstown rival Giants on Saturday night.

Tebow has always been a phenomenal rusher and difficult to bring down, especially during his days at Florida playing in Urban Meyer's spread offense. 

Even last season with the Denver Broncos, Tebow rushed for (660 yards) more than a third of the amount of yards he threw for (1,729 yards). He even averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2011. 

Although Tebow had a dismal outing as a passer in the Jets' preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on the road last week—he completed just 4-of-8 passes for 27 yards and a pick—he was still New York's leading rusher when it was all said and done.

Tebow rushed for 34 yards on just four carries, averaging 8.5 yards per attempt. That unique ability to keep the defense guessing will allow Tebow to shine once again this preseason, only this time against a worse rushing defense.

The Giants ranked 19th in the NFL last season in stopping the run, allowing more than 121 yards on the ground per game in 2011. The Bengals, meanwhile, ranked 10th against the run. 

If Tebow can make the most of just four attempts against one of the NFL's top-10 defenses, then imagine how well he will fare against a suspect run defense. 

Though Mark Sanchez is leaps and bounds ahead of Tebow when it comes to passing development, the 6'3", 235-pound Tebow makes for a much better dual-threat option under center.

At least for now, in the preseason, it will be Tebow, not Sanchez, who shines. 

On Saturday night, the combination of Tebow's threat as a passer and the Giants' shaky run defense will result in a standout rushing effort from the Jets' backup signal-caller. 

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