In the six seasons between 2015 and 2021, Exeter were champions of England twice and runners-up on the other four occasions.
While in 2020, they became European champions when they defeated French side Racing 92 in the final.
However, since losing in the Prem final in 2021, Exeter have failed to make the play-offs in any of the last four seasons and last season dropped as low as ninth.
But it is now only one loss in their opening six games in the Prem this season and the comeback at Sale was their second impressive one on the road, having come from 33-7 down at Northampton Saints to draw their opening game 33-33.
And after a first Prem away in 13 games, Baxter believes the Chiefs are developing a steely determination as they battle to return to their former glories.
“A team that wants to be in the top four, you get something out of nearly every game,” he added.
“You get it by hook or by crook, with tries, losing bonus points. You get it by staying competitive the whole game.
“I’m looking at the first half wondering ‘How have we won this game?’ But when we had a team for seven or eight years who seemed to come through anything, it felt like that a lot.
“When you look back, you never remember the tight ones, but we used to win a lot of tight games. You win a lot of games in The Prem by being the last team to score and it’s nice when it’s us.”
