Considering they had one of the best records in the 90s, if not the best, I think it would be safe to call them winners! Super Bowl victory or not!
edit: As far as character players I think Marv wanted guys who would play their hearts out on the field during games. Training camp and practices were not where Marv demanded heart (ie.Bruce Smith). Like Jimmy Johnson's separate rules for the Troys and Emmitts, so too, does Marv follow the same rulebook.