AFC Notes: Broncos, Raiders, Texans

Broncos

• KUSA’s Mike Klis points out that one of the reasons the Broncos are retaining HC Vic Fangio for a third year is because of how highly they regard the staff he’s compiled. 
• Broncos OC Pat Shurmur, DC Ed Donatell, OL coach Mike Munchak, QB coach Mike Shula, DL coach Bill Kollar, RB coach Curtis Modkins, OLB coach John Pagano, TE coach Wade Harman and LB coach Reggie Herring all have at least a decade of experience and several have multiple decades under their belt.
• Klis also highlights WR coach Zach Azzanni and DB coach Renaldo Hill as assistants who are seen as rising stars in the coaching profession. 

Raiders

The Raiders had third and goal on the one-yard line with a chance to take a six-point lead Saturday night against the Dolphins. But instead, HC Jon Gruden elected to call for a kneel down to bleed as much time off the clock as possible. The move backfired, as the Dolphins were able to get in range for a game-winning field goal despite getting the ball back at their 25 with just 19 seconds left. 

“I don’t regret it,” Gruden said via Pro Football Talk. “I don’t regret it one bit. I just regret the results. . . . 19 seconds left, on your own 25-yard line, with no timeouts, I’ve called plays a long time, the probability of getting that done is remote. . . . I’m not going to get into all the scenarios. We played it exactly like we wanted to play it.”

Texans

• Texans QB Deshaun Watson said he feels fine after appearing to sustain an injury during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game. (Aaron Wilson)
• Even though there’s nothing to play for next week, Watson made it clear that he plans to suit up in Week 17: “Yeah, I will. I’ll play.” (Aaron Wilson)