Tim Tebow vs. John Elway: Who's the More Popular Quarterback in Denver?

This is certainly a question that can be answered a few ways and build us toward an all-encompassed answer.

Who's more popular in Denver, Tim Tebow or John Elway?

Now to begin, let's start with a more fair comparison, which are Tebow and Elway's stats through their first two seasons. Excluding the playoffs, Elway played in 26 regular season games and by the end of this season, Tebow will have played in 23.

That said, Elway had just 25 TDs to 29 INTs, a 51.9 completion percentage and record of 16-10. Tebow thus far has thrown 16 TDs to just five INTs, however, he only has a 49.25 completion percentage despite throwing less attempts, and a record of 8-3.

So by their numbers—mainly because Tebow's the more unconventional-type—he's arguably more popular than John Elway from 1984.

Then again, Elway also made two straight playoff appearances to kickoff his career, but that's unfair to Tim right now, as he barely played last season and this season has yet to end.

Therefore, pending on how the 2011 season finishes, we'll call the popularity contest a draw through each of their first two seasons. Without a doubt there's similarities between how both play in fourth quarter and OT—which does make watching Tebow bring back some deja vu—not to mention his rushing ability.

Now, let's fast-forward to mid December of 2011, and Elway has won two Super Bowls, is a Hall of Famer and the current VP of Football Operations, while he overlooks Tim Tebow doing work on the field.

However, Elway wasn't so popular in mid November when he was critical of Tebow's play. In an article on ESPN News Services, Elway zones in on some areas needed for improvement:

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"When you look at our third-down numbers, those have to improve, and that's the bottom line," Elway said on his radio show.

"... We can't go three of 13 and win a world championship."

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And Elway was correct about that, because its impossible to consistently win games playing that poorly on third down. To that end though, since Tebow's improvement, Elway has become more optimistic. According to Alex Marvez of Fox Sports, Elway will work with Tebow this offseason:

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"The two will become even closer in the offseason. Elway said he plans to 'spend a lot of time' with Tebow and Broncos quarterbacks coach Adam Gase. Elway already offers suggestions to Gase, but doesn’t want to meddle too much with the coaching staff’s efforts in developing Tebow."

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So with that said, Elway's popularity amongst the Tebowmania supporters has definitely increased. And although Tebow is easily the biggest thing—and arguably the best thing—that happened for the Broncos since Elway was under center, let's hold judgement.

For one, we have yet to see Tim play in the postseason, as well as perform after having time to develop. Thereafter is when we can only really judge Tebow.

Has he improved as a passer? Did he respond in crunch time in the postseason against much better defenses, like he did in the regular season time and time again? How does he perform in 2012 after having time to develop?

None of these can be answered right now and we simply must be patient.

This is also why John Elway should be the more popular QB.

He's won two Super Bowls (Denver's only two), went to five total, has numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections and is a Hall of Famer. So, we've already seen what Elway's done and the resume is proof.

Let's face it, he brought the Broncos to relevance. Tebow is now continuing that trend as The Mile High City's most legit QB since Elway. Jake Plummer led them within one game of the Super Bowl.

We have yet to see how Tebow will perform on stages even he has yet to play on. So until we see that unfold, let's just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27