EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — If Steve Weatherford is not put on the field practicing, it's a good bet the New York Giants punter is lifting.

The ripped 30-year-old health nut downs a couple of protein shakes after practice and heads into the weight room like clockwork. The routine extends to his eating. Nothing bad goes in.

Everything is planned, even his directional punting. Almost every punt lands outside the numbers and along the sideline. It makes the coverage easy.

That's why his recent slump was surprising. He didn't hit a couple of balls well, one was returned for a touchdown and he had a horrible game in the wind against Oakland. It was humbling.

Weatherford is back on track as the Giants (5-7) head to San Diego for a Sunday game against the Chargers (5-7).

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AP NFL website: —www.pro32.ap.org

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