ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- When Aqib Talib looks at the current Denver Broncos, he sees a reflection of his football past. "They're us," the former Pro Bowl cornerback said, comparing them to the franchise's Super Bowl 50 championship team. "They all love ball, talk to each other, hold each other to it."

Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Von Miller, MVP of the Broncos' Super Bowl win over the Carolina Panthers, feels a similar vibe. "Oh yeah, I see it," Miller said. "They do it the way we did it."

The two teams share parallels: institutional support, reliance on an elite defense, and thriving in close games. Denver was 14-3 last season and reached the AFC Championship Game. The Broncos begin their quest for a fourth title at the Kansas City Chiefs on "Monday Night Football."

Coach Sean Payton emphasizes program, grit, and culture. 45 of 53 players from last season's opening roster remain, a retention rate almost unheard of in the NFL. "Culture is one of those things... to really have it is rare," said defensive tackle Zach Allen. "If you need to be pushed, you're not going to be around here."

Payton seeks a "triangle" for success: ownership, personnel, and coaching. "It's still finding the right people," he said, citing owners Greg and Carrie Penner.