DENVER -- The New England Patriots have won eight straight AFC East championships and 14 of the past 16, so some might say it’s old hat. But for some of the team’s newcomers, what unfolded Sunday was oh so sweet.

For those who hadn't won a division title before, it was a mind-blowing experience. And for Martellus Bennett, it was a mind-erasing experience.

“I ain’t never won s---!” Bennett yelled out in excitement as reporters entered the locker room following Sunday’s 16-3 victory over the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Of course, that’s not entirely accurate. Bennett did win the NFC East title as a member of the Dallas Cowboys in 2009. But his joy in the locker room was infectious, and it made the moment even more memorable for safety Devin McCourty.

“Martellus came running in yelling, ‘Where’s my [championship] hat?’ It’s a great feeling,” McCourty said. “It’s always a good feeling when you come in and see guys who have played in this league a lot and are really good and just haven’t won division championships, to see their excitement is great.”

For those players who actually were celebrating their first division title, it was also a very special moment. That group includes veteran defensive end Chris Long, who proudly wore his division champs hat during an interview with reporters after the game.

Veteran DE Chris Long a division champion for the first time. pic.twitter.com/PcdckVaKz3 — Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 19, 2016

Then there was receiver Chris Hogan, who spent the past three seasons on the Buffalo Bills’ 53-man roster.

“I’m trying to let it sink in. This is my first hat, so I probably won’t take it off for a while,” he cracked.

As for Bennett, Sunday’s win also helped him erase another moment from the past: his playoff appearance with the Cowboys following that 2009 season.

“I’ve never been to the playoffs once in my [nine-year] career," he said, "so it’s just exciting to be a part of this team. ... Ever since the first day I came here, I felt like I belonged, whether it was my teammates who accepted me or from upper management down to the coaches. Not only did I buy into the program, but the whole Patriots organization bought into me.

“It’s pretty exciting when you have that type of group of people around you that believe in you, not only as a player but as a person. I’m invested in this team. Like I told my guys before the game, I’ve been invested in not only putting in the work that I need to, but invested in my teammates. Now we’re trying to get our ROI.”

When a reporter asked what ROI stands for, Bennett responded with some emphasis: “Come on, man! Return on investment. You got to get your stocks up!”

On a day the excitable Bennett talked about ROI, it was also a time for him to revisit his memory bank. He’s a two-time division champ, whether he remembers it or not.