Dynamic Dubs are still miles ahead

FOR all the talk this week about how Kerry are primed to take down Dublin, the reality is that we still have a way to go.

What sets Dublin apart is their half-back line, absolutely key in the modern game.

They were able to carry on where they had left off against Cavan last week – starting with 11 of their All-Ireland winning team and with Jack McCaffrey (right) back for good measure.

It is incredible that Dublin were unaffected in his absence because he is an outstanding talent, but then perhaps it is not that big a mystery when you realise that they have James McCarthy on the other wing, a sublime footballer who swallows up ground with every stride. Or the fact that they have Michael Darragh Macauley who can go on rampaging runs while further up the field Kevin McManamon instinctively hits the pedal every time he gets on the ball.

Although Tyrone put it up to them last night, it’s that dynamism that sets Dublin apart.

Mayo have it to a point, with Lee Keegan and Paddy Durcan, which explains why they have troubled Dublin in ways Kerry have not been able to.

Kerry have not really had that capability since Tomás was making those runs up from the half-back line, but we need to find that dynamic element, and not just in the halfback line but in midfield, too.

We have a lot of catching up to do.