The Dallas Cowboys will be starting from “ground zero” when they begin training camp practice on Thursday, according to coach Jason Garrett.

The 12-4 season is behind them.

The NFC East title is behind them.

Their first playoff appearance in five years is behind them.

“That (ground zero) was our message from the start. That was probably the first thing out of my mouth at our first meeting,” Garrett said Wednesday at the annual state-of-the-team news conference to open training camp. “We have to earn it again day by day.”

The Cowboys are in NFL conversations as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. They’ve added a pass rush, return some healthy playmakers led by Sean Lee and have a stronger Tony Romo at quarterback.

Still, Garrett prefers to look ahead.

“We have to start over. That’s not a new concept for us,” Garrett said.

Even emotional owner Jerry Jones has stayed away from Super Bowl talk.

“I’m going to keep avoiding it again this year,” Jones said, but added, “We have reasons to be optimistic.”