The blueprint the 2016 Dallas Cowboys will follow is similar to the one that led to a division title in 2014.

The foundation for that 12-4 season was based largely on three things:

Some good fortune in the health department, a dominant running game to minimize the workload on Rod Marinelli's defense and being among the league leaders in takeaways.

"I do think that an offense like we had two years ago that can control the football with the running game can be a big positive for everyone," executive vice president Stephen Jones said. "I also think that this is a team that defensively, Rod's been able to get a lot out of guys in terms of coaching them up and getting them to play the way he expects a Cowboys defense to play.

"We certainly think there is upside in this defense, and I think they'll certainly answer the bell."

At this time two years ago, the Cowboys entered training camp with several questions to be answered.

How would Tony Romo perform coming off back surgery?

How would Jason Garrett respond to coaching in the final year of his contract?

How would the team adjust to Marinelli being promoted to defensive coordinator and Scott Linehan being hired to run the offense?

What kind of production would they get out of Rolando McClain, who was acquired after Sean Lee suffered a season-ending knee injury during organized team activities?

Would Brandon Weeden be able to handle the backup quarterback role after Kyle Orton was released a week before camp started?

This year's training camp has its own set of questions to be answered. To get you ready for the upcoming three weeks in Oxnard, Calif., here are five of the most important storylines to follow:

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How will Ezekiel Elliott perform when the pads come on?

Elliott has passed all tests up to this point. Many expect the fourth overall pick in this year's draft to immediately become a 1,000-yard back. But we have yet to see Elliott run behind the Cowboys' talented offensive line in pads. That will come in Oxnard. Will Elliott immediately impress or will it take him some time to get acclimated?

DeMarco Murray and the offensive line set the tone for the team's 2014 success. If Elliott proves he can produce and handle the workload, he could be used in a similar fashion.

What will the workload be for Tony Romo and Dez Bryant?

The Cowboys' 4-12 finish a year ago is directly linked to these two significant injuries in the first two weeks of the season. This year, Romo was a full participant in organized team activities and minicamp. Bryant was limited.

Both players are expected to be full-go for the start of training camp, but don't be surprised if the two aren't taking part in every activity or they occasionally receive a day off. The Cowboys don't need Romo and Bryant going all out in every training camp practice like it's 2010. They need both on the field, fully healthy for Week 1 against the New York Giants.

Where will the pressure come from?

The Cowboys have been one of the NFL's worst teams over the last four years when it comes to sacking quarterbacks. And they didn't make any significant additions along the defensive line during free agency or the draft.

Veteran defensive linemen Greg Hardy and Jeremy Mincey are gone. The Cowboys' top two pass rushers --DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory --are suspended for the first four games of the season.

So how does Dallas plan on making life difficult for opposing QBs? Marinelli hopes to find some answers over the next month. Going against one of the league's top offensive line several times a week should help.

What's going on at middle linebacker?

With Rolando McClain suspended for the first 10 games of the season, the Cowboys recently signed veteran

Justin Durant to a one-year deal. Durant, who played for the Cowboys in 2014, has the ability to line up at multiple linebacker positions. But where will he ultimately end up? Sean Lee was moved from the middle to the weakside last season in hopes of reducing his chance of injury.

Lee played in 14 games last season and earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl, so it seems unlikely the Cowboys would move him back into the middle. Will Durant attempt to take over that starting role or will Anthony Hitchens be the guy? Andrew Gachkar and Mark Nzeocha are also expected to take reps at middle linebacker.

Can they avoid the critical camp injury?

The defense has experienced a significant loss during training camp each of the last three years.

Cornerback Orlando Scandrick suffered a season-ending right knee injury last year. Lawrence broke his right foot in 2014. Defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford tore his left Achilles tendon in 2013.

The No. 1 training camp goal for the Cowboys is to get their key players through camp healthy. But it's a difficult task to prepare a team for an NFL season while also trying to limit injuries.