Panthers vs. Jets: Is Tim Tebow or Cam Newton More Trustworthy Running the Ball?

The Carolina Panthers and New York Jets face off Aug. 26 for an exhibition affair, thus raising the question of which team's running quarterback is more trustworthy, Tim Tebow or Cam Newton?

Newton and Tebow combined for over 1,300 yards on the ground last year, but one certainly looked better doing it. Let's find out who is the more polished and effective rushing quarterback between the two former Florida Gators.

Tim Tebow

Tebow famously took over for former Denver starting quarterback Kyle Orton last year with the Broncos, taking NFL offensive ideas all the way back to the days of the leather helmet.

No. 15 ran the ball with his former team 122 times with double-digit attempts in six games last year. Those attempts resulted in 660 yards on the ground for the former Denver quarterback.

One number that gets overlooked when talking about Tebow's 2011 season, however, is the 14 fumbles.

The Jets' backup quarterback runs full-speed ahead and does so looking the way a running back would, trying to truck over defenders more than slide.

There's no question that Tebow can run the ball effectively at times, but 14 fumbles in 2011 compared to his lone fumble in 43 attempts his rookie season is concerning.

When looking at his two seasons of work in the NFL, Tebow has certainly shown skill running the football, but still has one big problem to iron out of his game.

Cam Newton

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft took the NFC South by storm last season, leading the Panthers to a 6-10 record. Newton helped Carolina earn those six victories with more than just his 4,051 yards passing and 21 touchdowns, though.

The one-time Florida player ran for over 700 yards on the ground in his rookie season, scoring 14 touchdowns in the process.

Newton scored more touchdowns on the ground last year than Tebow has through two NFL seasons.

Newton has that running back kind of style when he runs too, but it looks more polished than his Jets counterpart's approach.

The Panthers starter does more than just truck over defenders; he spins out of tackles and uses his agility to maneuver away from potential tacklers.

Last season, no rusher averaged more yards per carry than the former Heisman Trophy winner. Newton averaged 5.6 yards whenever he ran the ball, besting the likes of Fred Jackson, Darren McFadden and well, every other player who ran the ball in 2011.

Overall, despite having less NFL experience, Newton actually looks the more polished and ultimately more trustworthy running quarterback when comparing these two players.