Melvin Gordon missed having a true fullback as a rookie.
There was this player, you see, at Wisconsin. They could play power football, Gordon able to line up behind him and trust his teammate to guide the way.
On Saturday, the old teammate became a new one.
The Chargers reunited their 2015 first-round pick with fullback Derek Watt. That Watt is the younger brother to Texans All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt is but a sub-note here. Gordon missed that Wisconsin brand of football during a difficult NFL debut. While the Chargers aren't about to change their offense because of a sixth-round choice, the addition reconnects Gordon with someone he's had success beside, the confidence that comes from that perhaps as valuable as any lead block Watt may deliver this year.