The New York Giants hoped to give their raucous fanbase a gift at MetLife Stadium on national television Thursday night. Instead, they helped the Washington Commanders salvage their sagging season.

With several opportunities for victory, the Giants played not to lose, and that passive approach cost them. Instead of going into the weekend riding high, they fall to 5-3-1 on the season with a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars looming.

Here's a look at some studs and duds from Thursday's 24-21 loss to the Commanders.

Stud: TE Isaiah Likely

The Commanders had few answers for Likely, who caught nine of 11 targets for 127 yards, including a 66-yard touchdown that gave the Giants the lead in the second half. It was a Pro Bowl-caliber performance for the Giants' prized free-agent signing this year.

Dud: K Dominic Zvada

His 33-yard missed field goal attempt in the first quarter loomed large all game. When you lose by three, and you miss a chip shot, it hurts. Zvada's kickoff after the Giants took the lead in the early fourth quarter, which went out of bounds, was mistake number two. It didn't matter in the overall scheme of things, but it was a mistake that could've been very costly.

Stud: S Ar'Darius Washington

The reserve defensive back had a signature game with six total stops, two passes defensed and an interception. The 5-foot-8 former Baltimore Raven made some key stops in the second half to keep Big Blue in the game.

Dud: WR Malik Nabers

For the second straight game, Nabers failed to reach the century mark in receiving yards. He caught five passes for just 44 yards on seven targets. The Giants' final offensive play was a downfield pass to Nabers, who was boxed out by a Commanders defender for a game-sealing interception.

Stud: RB Cam Skattebo

A big comeback game for the second-year running back. Skattebo rushed 18 times for 78 yards with two touchdowns and added 44 more yards on three receptions.

Stud: LB Arvell Reese

The rookie had another productive game with 13 overall tackles (four solo) and has clearly become the Giants' best player on defense this season.

Other Studs:

• QB J.J. McCarthy

• WR Malachi Fields

• LB Micah McFadden

Other duds:

• TE Theo Johnson

• P Jordan Stout (for his last punt)