Eli Manning On WFAN: 'I Don't Think I'm Playing Lousy'

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Even though the opponent and venue figure to be difficult to deal with, Eli Manning is actually happy his Giants play again on Thursday.

Then again, when you are 0-5 beggars really can't be choosers.

Manning told WFAN's Mike Francesa on Monday he's knows what everyone has been saying about his struggling team. He said playing the Bears in Chicago on a short week of preparation might be a good thing because the Giants won't have too much time to harp on their latest loss. He chalked up Sunday's 36-21 home defeat to Philadelphia as more of the same -- Big Blue not taking advantage of opportunities and turning the ball over way too much.

"We did some good things, had some good drives, and some tough plays at the end. For me, I have to take care of the ball, not turn the ball over at the end of a tight game," Manning said. "It's tough, but the good thing is we got a short week and not a whole lot of time to worry about this past game and we're already in preparation for Chicago."

The 10th year quarterback has thrown 12 interceptions and has a rating of 65.8 so far this season. However, he said his problems really have nothing to do with him pressing.

"I don't think I'm playing lousy. I'm seeing the defenses well, throwing the ball accurately. I feel like I'm in sync. It's just a matter of getting in bad predicaments and not catching many breaks," Manning said.

"Each day as a quarterback you have to learn from your experiences. I don't feel like I'm forcing the ball into bad situations, tight places," he added.

Manning said the Giants are not good enough to make up for some of their shortcomings, so when opportunities present themselves they have to capitalize. He said with the types of skill position players the Giants have, including himself and receivers Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and up-and-coming Rueben Randle, deficits don't have to be death sentences.

"We didn't hit on big play opportunities. They don't come up that often and when they do they can be game-changers. We have to find ways to connect on those," Manning said.

Despite their two Super Bowl championships over the last six years, the Giants have gone through some extended periods of inconsistent play. But they've always found a way to climb out of the darkness. Manning said this team is capable of doing the same thing if it is willing to do the work required.

"No, it's not fun. The best part about playing football is getting wins and feeling like all the work you put in is worth it. You bust your tail all week and you game plan and watch film and you have great ideas of what you are going to do and where to go with the ball and then you want to be able to execute, score touchdowns, get excited and come out with the win and celebrate. Those are the fun parts of playing this game," Manning said.

"Losing is the most difficult part. It's frustrating when you lose five in a row. It does test you, there no question. But you keep at it. You keep working. You keep feeling you are doing the right things," he added.

The Giants are 20th in the NFL in total offense, including 32nd on the ground (56.8 yards per game). Their defense is dead last in points allowed per game (36.4), 26th in total defense (395.2 ypg) and tied for 27th against the run (126 ypg).

"A win would feel good pretty right now," Manning said.

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