DaytonDailyNews.com

I don't run a network or anything, but if I did, I might stick to one golden rule. If I'm trying to sell my product as desirable, I might not broadcast a game between two of the worst-playing teams in my league.

The NFL Network was set up for a big victory on Saturday, especially in the Midwest. Because snow, rain, ice and general weather doom caused many to stay home for the evening, they couldn't have traveled to the local bar or friend's house with DirecTV to see the NFL Network game. Realizing they really were missing out by not having the NFL Network on cable, that group might've been more motivated to cry foul to the cable companies.

And what was the game they missed? Cincinnati at San Francisco, the equivalent of Fading Interest at Who Cares. These football fans cuddling with loved ones under blankets or searching for 1,000th-repeat TBS movies weren't saying to themselves, "Gee, sure wish I had that football game tonight I can't get out to see." Instead, it was "When are the Patriots on?"

The NFL Network, of course, couldn't have known sheets of white annoyance would cover the heartland and might have ignored that Cincinnati and San Francisco were off-track time bombs. These things are scheduled in advance, after all.

Still, the NFL Network missed a big opportunity with the stinker some of us saw Saturday night.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com.