Heading into the offseason, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones specifically mentioned three areas in which his team needs to improve.

“We need to stop the run better, we need to be more physical, and we need to run better, to be specific,” he said.

Well, the Cowboys didn’t add anything to the defensive interior. There isn’t much available now. The hope is that the coaching staff can develop last year’s first-round selection, Mazi Smith, to become a massive space-eater and disruptor.

The lineup did take two big hits along the offensive line, with left tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadasz leaving in free agency. However, the Cowboys invested heavily in their offensive line by drafting offensive tackle Tyler Guyton and guard-turned-center Cooper Beebe in the first and third rounds, respectively.

In order to run the ball better, Ezekiel Elliott, who rejoined the Cowboys this offseason after a year with the New England Patriots, shouldn’t be considered the complete answer. Elliott can still be serviceable, but expectations need to be shifted. The two-time NFL rushing leader turned 29 earlier this week.

Another option is necessary for the Cowboys to achieve Jones’ stated goal.

The Chicago Bears’ backfield is loaded. Running back D’Andre Swift turned out to be the organization’s biggest offseason signing. The unit also includes Roschon Johnson, Khalil Herbert and Travis Homer. Johnson was a fourth-round draft pick last year, while Homer is a core special teamer. Herbert, who is on the last year of his rookie deal, could be the odd man out.

“I figured,” Herbert said of the Bears’ interest to add another back. “Especially, last year, they brought in D’Onta [Foreman]. You kind of know how the game goes.”