NFL Preseason: Tim Tebow, Cam Newton and 10 Players We're Most Excited to See

We've all heard the same, tired laments. "Preseason is boring in the NFL," "none of the Adrian Petersons or Peyton Mannings ever play," or "the score means nothing."

But if you're someone who watches football solely for the final results on the scoreboard, you're completely missing the point.

It's true that preseason matchups rarely give us an accurate assessment of how good a team will do in the regular season. What they do give us is a preliminary look at exciting players that we otherwise do not see in expanded roles in real-game situations. By studying what they do closely, we are given much more accuracy than any scoreboard in August ever could.

So while your eyes are glued to the screen, here are ten intriguing players to keep an eye out for this preseason.

Tim Tebow, Quarterback, Denver Broncos

Arguably the most famous player in NFL history to have just three starts to his name will give his audience of fans, teammates and coaches a deeper look this August.

Often a hot button of discussion, Tim Tebow finds himself in an odd place for a young first-round pick. There has never been any debate regarding his work ethic or intangibles, but his "windmill" throwing motion, awkward footwork and poor decision-making have prompted many to doubt his future.

Tebow began his preseason with an impressive line, completing six of seven passes for 91 yards against a second-string Dallas Cowboys defense. He also carried the ball twice for 15 yards and led the Broncos to two field goals in four possessions.

But a new coaching staff has dug its heels firmly into the soil of Invesco field at Mile High, and has placed Tebow behind the incumbent starter, Kyle Orton. It has been speculated that Tebow could even be in danger of losing the backup spot to Brady Quinn.

The Florida product still showed many mechanical flaws in Dallas, but also displayed his famous propensity to make big plays happen.

The John Fox regime obviously isn't very high on Tebow at the moment, but one has to question if that will last if Tebow produces huge results on the field. The second-year player already finds himself in a rare make-or-break position, and it will only add to the intrigue of his preseason performances.

Cam Newton, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers

When haven't people been eager to see the first glimpse of a number one overall pick?

Like Tebow, Cam Newton has been another polarizing subject. Many experts and fans alike are put off by his origin in a spread offense, as well as glaring accuracy concerns.

Others see a dynamic player with all of the physical gifts in the world, and believe he could be molded into a star.

After his first preseason game, we saw both sides of the argument. His accuracy was inconsistent at best, completing just eight of 19 passes.

But the big-play ability was also apparent, when he threw a frozen rope to tight end Greg Olsen for a 30-yard gain. He also sold the play-action pass terrifically, which could pave the way for a long career in the NFL if kept up.

It would be foolish to give a be-all-end-all assessment of Newton after just one preseason game, but the intriguing mixture of raw talent and inconsistency will leave many to wonder which will ultimately define his career. In the meantime, all we can do is watch.

And enjoy.

Jason Pierre-Paul, Defensive End, New York Giants

The Osi Umenyiora saga may only just be getting started, and Jason Pierre-Paul could add a few chapters to it himself.

The 15th-overall selection in last year's draft made his presence known in his rookie season, despite an already crowded defensive line in New York. He had a very strong stretch of games towards the end of the season, including a dazzling performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Pierre-Paul picked up right where he left off in the Giants' preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers by recording two sacks and forcing an interception. Adding further substance to that performance is the fact that he mostly lined-up against former pro-bowler, Jordan Gross.

Umenyiora's days as a Giant are likely numbered, and Pierre-Paul is a huge reason why. It will be interesting to see if he can fully take advantage of a rare opportunity to replace a premier pass rusher. Either way, it continues now in the preseason.

Albert Haynesworth, Defensive Tackle, New England Patriots

Preseason will begin the long road to redemption that Albert Haynesworth must embark on, if he wants to reestablish himself as the game's most disruptive defensive tackle.

Early reports of his trade to New England prompted a few head-scratchings. Haynesworth found himself disgruntled in the 3-4 defensive scheme of Washington, and appeared to be headed to a team with the same makeup.

Turns out, that isn't the case. the Patriots, by and large, were a 3-4 team last year, but still had many packages which included four-man fronts. The additional acquisitions of Andre Carter and Shaun Ellis suggest that the Patriots will experiment with plenty of 4-3 packages as the season goes on.

Haynesworth will be called upon to be the tie that holds those packages together. When used appropriately and when motivated, we've all seen what Haynesworth is capable of. It will be very interesting to see what a once-dominant player can do in his role in a unique hybrid system.

Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons gave away an awful lot to snag Julio Jones sixth overall in this year's draft, so you can guarantee that they will make every attempt to ensure their gamble pays off.

Early indications suggest that they will get him involved often in the game-plan. In the Atlanta Falcons' first preseason game, Matt Ryan targeted his speedy new weapon five times in limited play, and connected with him twice for a total of 43 yards.

It's a small sample size, but Jones has showed nothing but encouraging signs so far.

Matt Leinart, Quarterback, Houston Texans

It has been a rocky career for the former Heisman winner, and he now finds himself buried behind Matt Schaub on the Houston Texans' depth chart.

Armed with regained confidence and encouragement from Head Coach Gary Kubiak, Leinart is just one injury away from having the chance to lead a talented Texans offense.

He encounters a difficult task on Monday night against a stout New York Jets defense, but it will make for an interesting preseason if Leinart performs at the level that Kubiak believes he is capable of.

Shawne Merriman, Outside Linebacker, Buffalo Bills

Recently, the career of Shawne Merriman has been highlighted by a fair share of negative words such as "injury," "steroids," and "Tila Tequila."

But now, with a clean bill of health and a new team, Merriman hopes to regain the same form which earned him the nickname "Lights-Out," once upon a time.

Merriman began his preseason with a boom, recording two sacks and being a disruptive force on the edge for a Buffalo Bills team in dire need of a pass-rush. It would be quite the story if the Bills finally got the edge-rusher in the form of a revitalized veteran.

Merriman without a doubt is on a mission to prove himself, and can be expected to give a mid-season effort in each week leading up to the regular season.

Javon Ringer, Running Back, Tennessee Titans

The holdout of Chris Johnson may not last too much longer, but in the meantime, Javon Ringer will take advantage of his absence.

Despite being covered in the shadow of a superstar running back, Ringer has made the most of his opportunities. In his two-year career, he has seen limited touches, but averaged 4.9 yards per carry.

With Chris Johnson set to ink a massive deal, it will be in the Titans interest to preserve him as much as they can. Ringer will likely see an expanded role as a precautionary measure.

Stand by, because that precaution could lead to even more great things out of the Tennessee backfield.

Asante Samuel, Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles

The acquisitions of Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie suggest that Asante Samuel could be on the way out in Philadelphia.

Since no credible trade offers or price tags have surfaced as of yet, it will make for an interesting defensive backfield in Philadelphia in the meantime.

Neither Samuel or Rodgers-Cromartie have the physicality or blitzing ability of a superior slot cornerback, so questions arise at how the Eagles will utilize their surplus of talent in the secondary.

It's a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless. It will take lots of creativity from new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo to figure out the best role for Samuel. This will provide yet another interesting scenario in Philadelphia.

Mark Ingram, Running Back, New Orleans Saints

Despite a crowded backfield that is comprised of Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory and Darren Sproles, rookie running back Mark Ingram appears to be the favorite to carry the bulk of the load in New Orleans.

Whether that will happen by Week 1 remains to be seen, as Ingram played second-fiddle to Thomas in his preseason debut.

Ingram had an encouraging 14-yard touchdown run at the end of the first half against the San Francisco 49ers' backups. Other than that successful scamper, Ingram was limited to just nine yards on five carries.

The starting job appears to be his for the taking, otherwise the Saints would not have spent a first round pick on a position that could be capably addressed in later rounds. The added variable of the lockout will only add to Ingram's uphill battle to take what's his, and the preseason will provide a big stage for him to do that on.