Andew Walter, Brian Hoyer vie for backup job

FOXBORO - As is often the case this time of year, trade rumors are swirling. The Patriots [team stats] are investigating several options at backup quarterback, a process that may intensify over the next few days.

Meanwhile, Andrew Walter will trot onto the field and stand under center against the New York Giants in the final preseason game tonight at Gillette Stadium, asked to perform with questions unanswered about his future.

How can he handle focusing on two things at once? Walter said he won’t need to.
“I only have time to spend learning the offense,” Walter said, “and trying to learn everybody’s name.”

The former Oakland Raider, who arrived on the fifth day of the preseason, is suddenly a potential No. 2 after the Patriots cut 2008 third-round draft pick Kevin O’Connell. With Tom Brady [stats] expected to sit out as a precaution because of his healing throwing shoulder,

Walter will share the spotlight with rookie Brian Hoyer.

If the third preseason game is the closest to a regular-season game, the next one is the furthest. The contest figures to allow the backups to play for their jobs, and Walter and Hoyer will do exactly that against New York’s backups.

Walter chose his words carefully when discussing his new role, saying his goal is still to understand the offense and that his task hasn’t been altered. In his fifth year in the league, Walter has what he believes is a sound routine.
“I don’t think anything (changes),” Walter said. “Because if it does, it shows flaws in how you prepare for a game. If you change your preparation because circumstances change, it shows you’re not preparing the way you should. Nothing has changed.”

Coach Bill Belichick didn’t explain the specifics of why he released O’Connell, who landed with the Detroit Lions. He simply said it “didn’t work out,” adding that he couldn’t say whether O’Connell would have been better in a system that played more to his strengths.
“We want to give the reps to the players that are here,” Belichick said, “and so that’s what we’re going to do.”

Enter Walter and Hoyer, two opposites.

Walter is a 6-foot-6 pocket passer and former third-round draft pick. He is experienced, having played 12 games (eight starts) in 2006, when he was sacked a whopping 46 times. He is searching for a new beginning after the woeful Raiders cut him this summer.

As for Hoyer, he’s a 6-foot-2 free agent from Michigan State, a rare Patriots signal-caller shorter than 6-foot-4. Though he was 11-of-19 for 112 yards in his one preseason appearance, he seemed primed for the practice squad before O’Connell was sent home.

Hoyer said all the right things in a brief appearance with the media this week, focusing on himself and his desire to contribute. That may be difficult with the trade talk.