Winner No. 3
Antonio Hamilton Sr. - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders are still searching for answers at the cornerback position. Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos are out for the season, so others further down the pecking order are being tasked with additional responsibilities. Some haven't met their billing, but Antonio Hamilton Sr. proved he could remain part of the team's plans with an outstanding showing at MetLife Stadium.
This was Hamilton's best game since joining the Commanders, by a considerable margin. He tracked the football exceptionally well in coverage, made some critical pass breakups, and displayed the sort of closing speed when beaten that raised encouragement about his future outlook.
One could see Hamilton growing in confidence as the game wore on. He found his groove and looked like he belonged. This was a massive positive that played a leading role in Washington ending its alarming run of consecutive losses.
Stacking good performances down the stretch will exponentially improve Hamilton's chances of earning another deal.
Loser No. 3
Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB
With running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. missing from the game with a groin issue, the Commanders needed someone else to step up. We've already spoken about the re-emergence of Jacory Croskey-Merritt, which represented a positive step forward for the seventh-round pick. However, things did not go as well for veteran Jeremy McNichols.
McNichols started the game, which raised a few eyebrows. Kliff Kingsbury obviously thought his physical running style would set the tone more effectively, but the former Boise State star didn't exploit gaps when they opened. When Croskey-Merritt quickly emerged as far more productive, the established pro returned to a rotational role.
Disaster almost struck for McNichols later in the game when he gave up a fumble. Fortunately, rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. was alert enough to fall on the football, and the danger was averted. Still, seven rushing yards from nine carries meant this was not a profitable afternoon at the office.
Winner No. 4
Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT
Things looked bleak for Josh Conerly Jr. early in the contest. The rookie offensive tackle found life difficult in his first meeting with the Giants on debut, and it looked like the same fate would befall the No. 29 pick when going up against the pass-rushing tandem of Abdul Carter and Brian Burns.
But, as has been the case in recent weeks, Conerly showed the resolve to turn things around. He was outstanding for the final three quarters, looking much more assured in pass protection and setting firm edges to form gaps on running plays. The former Oregon standout didn't win every rep, but this showed just how far he's come throughout the campaign.
Conerly also displayed his high football IQ and anticipation skills with two crucial fumble recoveries after errors from quarterback Marcus Mariota and running back Jeremy McNichols. If the edge protector hadn't been so engaged on both plays, the result could have been a lot different.