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For most of last Sunday night, the Giants offense existed mostly to waste time until the defense could get back on the field in hopes of making a turnover that would lead directly to points.

If they didn’t produce a touchdown, it felt as if the Giants might not have a chance to win the game. The defensive score turned out not to be needed thanks to Odell Beckham’s ability to turn on the gas after making a short pass, but the overall performance was another dismal one for the 9-4 club.

And for quarterback Eli Manning. He turned the ball over three times and failed to throw for 200 yards for the third straight game, continuing a frustrating season for him. Manning knows that the team needs better play from the offense and said Tuesday that he’s still capable of providing it.

“I want to play better,” Manning said, via the New York Post. “I know I can play well. I know I can make the plays and get hot, I just have to stand in there and make the plays. I’m going to keep working and go in every week confident that I can go out there and have a great game. Given the right situations I will make the plays and do what’s needed. The defense is playing outstanding, but we have to help them out, we’ve got to score more points, give them a lead and don’t make it hard on them.”

Manning has long been a quarterback capable of toggling between big games and dreadful ones. This year has seen more of the latter than the former, but the team still believes in Manning and the lack of a running game leaves little choice other than giving him more opportunities to break out.

Given how good their defense has been, the Giants have to like their chances if Manning can find a groove. The Lions provide the next chance for him to continue the search.