By Ralph Vacchiano / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

GIANTS 27, REDSKINS 23

Robert Griffin III gave the Giants a frightening glimpse of the future. But all it took was one clutch pass from Eli Manning to remind everyone who still controls the NFC East.

With one stunning, 77-yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz with 1:13 remaining, Manning thwarted RGIII’s impressive comeback attempt with a comeback of his own, giving the Giants a much-needed 27-23 victory over the Washington Redskins at MetLife Stadium. The game-winner came just 19 seconds after a Griffin touchdown pass had given the Redskins the lead.

But after that, all the rookie quarterback could do was watch as Manning found Cruz open down the middle to give the Giants (5-2) their first division victory in three tries, Manning completing the 24th fourth-quarter comeback of his remarkable career.

“Eli’s done this a million times before,” said defensive end Osi Umenyiora. “We had all the faith and all the confidence in the world in him. That’s why Eli Manning is Eli Manning.”