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Andrew Gardner Feeling At Home Right Guard

By Joseph Santoliquito

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — It's become apparent that the hole at right guard left by the departure of Todd Herremans now belongs to Andrew Gardner. And it seems the 6-foot-6, 310-pound, five-year veteran is feeling at home.

So an area two months ago that looked somewhat unstable appears very strong entering the season, with perennial all-pro left tackle Jason Peters, left guard Allen Barbre, center Jason Kelce, Gardner now in at right guard next to right tackle stalwart Lane Johnson.

"Gardner has done a great job the first two games," Kelce said. "He did great for us last year when he thrown in there late in the season. He had one game where he got beat a couple of times, but other than that, he's been real solid since he's been in there. It certainly helps any player when you're in one spot and you do get a chance to learn, playing it over and over, and over again. Plus, he's been in with one set of guys and get better cohesion when that happens. He's a good player and he's very consistent, he knows what his job is and he consistently does his job. He's a guy who is a little bigger and give us some push sometimes in the run game. He's been great throughout camp."

Kelce also likes the fact that Gardner is a very intelligent player who will echo the line calls so that Johnson can hear.

Gardner openly admits this is the best he's played since he's been in the NFL.

"Every day I'm getting more and more comfortable," Gardner said. "I feel comfortable at right guard, but I previously felt comfortable at right guard. The more I play there the better I'm feeling about it. These extended opportunities with the ones has been good for me, especially for my confidence level. There are always improvements to be made, and this opportunity with the ones has helped me identify things I want to work on, versus moving around from guard to tackle. One spot helps me to see things.

"This is the best I've felt in my career—but I want to keep getting better. I'm not satisfied with where I am. This is the best I've felt about my career so far."

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