First Down

TONIGHT’S BEST BET ON TV

Nationals rookie John Lannan will pitch against last season’s NL Cy Young Award winner, Arizona’s Brandon Webb. 8:05 p.m., MASN2

HE SAID WHAT?

“Nah, I’m going back to Cherokee [Casino Resort]. I think maybe my luck has changed, so it’s time to hit those slots.” — John Daly on whether he would practice after Thursday’s round at the PGA Championship

TWT FIVE: FIVE MUST-SEE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYERS

1. Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii — He is not just another system guy for coach June Jones. He is a likely first-round pick in April.

2. DeSean Jackson, WR, California — He could be the best receiver in the country, and he’s definitely the best return man. Just watching punters try to kick away from him could be entertaining.

3. Javorski Lane, RB, Texas A&M — At 265 pounds, he is the “Thunder” to Mike Goodson’s “Lightning,” and a nightmare for Big 12 tacklers to bring down.

4. Juice Williams, QB, Illinios — Dual-threat quarterback can make magic happen — for either team. His top WR could be freshman Arrelious Benn, a Dunbar grad.

5. Beaver State running backs — In a season chocked full of fantastic runners, Oregon’s Jonathan Stewart and Oregon State’s Yvenson Bernard are great but under the radar.

NFL ONLINE >> EXCERPT FROM REDSKINS 360, OUR REDSKINS BLOG AT WASHINGTONTIMES.COM

 The Redskins should send a message now: Cut Brandon Lloyd.

 The malcontent receiver has been as big a bust as now-departed safety Adam Archuleta was and on top of that, he threw his helmet during a game last year. Lloyd admitted that this offseason was the first one during which he ever really worked out, and the result has been that he has missed half of training camp with shin splints.

 The Redskins have plenty of cap room. Even if they give tight end Chris Cooley a big contract, they have the cap room. Lloyd might be a gifted athlete, but he’s not a standup guy in the locker room. Corey Bradford, Jason McAddley, Mike Espy or any of the other backup receivers can score zero touchdowns as well as Lloyd and for a heck of a lot less money and aggravation.

 Cut Brandon Lloyd now.

— David Elfin

COMMENTS

 • Agreed. He does not seem to fit well at all. Everyone in the organization knows his 2006 performance was bad, and if JC [Jason Campbell] saw real improvement in Lloyd and some chemistry building between the two then he would say so.

Posted by Chad Cole — August 9, 2007 7:39 PM

 • Agreed. And I’m sure the aforementioned backups will strengthen the 53-man roster, by doing things that Lloyd wouldn’t, like go across the middle and play on special teams.

Posted by JM — August 9, 2007 10:23 PM

 • You are being a little impatient regarding Brandon LLoyd. Now don’t get me wrong: He is immature, but I think [Joe] Gibbs put him in his place. We should see results [and] if we don’t then I agree he needs to be cut.

 Since Gibbs has been back and since Gary Clark left, that receiver on that side has been nonexistent. Do you remember David Patten? And I don’t know who was on that side before him.

Posted by Steve — August 10, 2007 9:39 AM

 • I don’t particularly like Brandon Lloyd from the issues he has had off the field, and his play last year was poor. But I think it’s worth at this point in the season giving him a chance this year. If he [stinks] this year then they should can him.

Posted by Peter — August 10, 2007 2:58 P