OXNARD, Calif. -- Morris Claiborne could not have picked a better way to open 7-on-7 drills during the Dallas Cowboys' first full-padded practice of training camp.
Practicing for the first time in pads since tearing his patellar tendon on Sept. 28, 2014 against the New Orleans Saints, Claiborne made a diving interception of a Tony Romo throw to Terrance Williams.
"I was confident coming in," Claiborne said. "I know I can make those plays. That didn't bother me. I didn't take that as I made a big play. I know I can make those plays. I just have to keep working, keep working my technique and make it happen."
On to the observations:
The Cowboys opened up their run/play-action period with Joseph Randle going through a big hole on the left side of the line. His second carry was not as successful with Greg Hardy slipping inside Tyron Smith for a tackle behind the line of scrimmage.
Dez Bryant was held out of one-on-one drills, but he was still active in the workout. He made sure to let the cornerbacks know how well the receivers were faring in the drill. After Cole Beasley was held by Tyler Patmon but managed to make the catch anyway, Bryant screamed, "You can hold him but you can't stop him." When Lucky Whitehead did the same to Jason Wilson, Bryant said the same thing.
Second-year defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence showed a good dip move inside to get right tackle Doug Free off balance before heading around the corner to pressure Romo in some one-on-one work.
The defense was a little "handsy" in practice. In addition to those holds in the one-on-one work, safety Barry Church was flagged for a hold on Gavin Escobar in the play-action period.
First-round corner Byron Jones did a nice job filling on a run by Lance Dunbar for a stop at the line of scrimmage. In one-on-one work he broke up a Brandon Weeden pass to Antwan Goodley. Later, however, he was beaten down the sideline by Deontay Greenberry.
Dan Bailey made all six of his field goal attempts, connecting from 33, 37, 40, 35, 38 and 41 yards. Holder Chris Jones did a nice job of scooping up a low snap on Bailey's 40-yarder.
Defensive tackle Davon Coleman had a solid first day. He was able to stop Lache Seastrunk twice behind the line of scrimmage in run drills. In the "blue" period of practice, however, he got caught in the wash in a pass rush by rookie guard La'el Collins.
How not to make defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli happy: defensive end Lavar Edwards came off the field before the coaches told him to, was late to line up and yanked by Marinelli. He was replaced by rookie Ryan Russell. Later Edwards had an offside penalty.
