INDIANAPOLIS — The challenge mocks dominance.

The New England Patriots were the last team to win back-to-back Super Bowls in the 2003-2004 seasons. Since then, the defending champions have posted a 2-6 postseason record and missed the playoffs four times.

Into this maze step the Broncos. If winning was a grind, repeating is the equivalent of climbing Long’s Peak in Crocs. Like every champ in a salary cap sport, the Broncos face difficult roster decisions.

But winning has created a weird reaction. The Broncos players have closeness that inspires selflless behavior. It started with cornerback Chris Harris in the final days of the 2014 season. He took a team-friendly team deal to stay, a contract that continues to grow in significance. Last offseason, Peyton Manning, if reluctantly, accepted a $4 million paycut. Punter Britton Colquitt, arguably the offensive MVP in the Super Bowl, followed suit in training camp. Defensive end Derek Wolfe accepted a fair deal before the playoffs, resisting the temptation to test the market.

Every situation is unique. I root for players to get paid, especially in the NFL where the earning window is limited. However, a pattern is emerging, a testament to the culture created in Denver, to the first-class treatment of players, to the maniacal support of fans.

The Broncos are a destination organization.

This point is driven home with Von Miller’s contract talks. They gained traction more quickly than expected. The sides are in the same ballpark. A deal might not get done before the March 1 franchise deadline given the figures involved. Miller is in line to receive a mininum of $55 million guaranteed and should ask for in excess of $60 million with a straight face.

But there’s no reason to believe Miller will repeat receiver Demaryius Thomas’ experience. He’s motivated to reach an accord.

I am sure Thomas would change his course if could. Missing the offseason workouts hurt him, left him playing catchup in a new offense and isolated from the club.

Miller is a magnetic force in the locker room. Having him available in the offseason would be a significant step toward repeating as champions.

DeMarcus Ware talk

Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware will play next season. The Broncos want him back. But they met Friday with his agent — who also represents lineman Ryan Clady — about restructuring the final year of his deal. The template was set last year with Manning. He took a $4-million pay cut, but earned it back through incentives. Clady’s deal could be restructured around playing time escalators based on league precedent.

Broncos Footnotes

It won’t be a blemish-free offseason. If the Chicago Bears throw a mountain of cash at Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan, it would be hard for him to turn it down.

Final thought: General manager John Elway never has lost a Broncos player he has targeted, so it remains possible he retains Malik Jackson, challenging as it seems.

Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or @troyrenck