Old flaws come back to haunt Dublin

It was obvious that Dublin's plan was to start at a high intensity. The benefit of the two Meath games meant they were able to hit the ground running at championship pace. Offaly seemed way out of their depth but Dublin kept their door open in their own usual style.

Thinking back over the history of this group, it's customary for them to go hell for leather out of the traps. And yes, we saw five brilliant points and all that is good about Gaelic football but the old flaws eventually came creeping back into their game.

Although I've seen it many times before, Dublin's non-performance in the second part of the first-half leaves me scratching my head.

Maybe the injury to young Thomas Deehan broke their rhythm and subsequently their concentration went with it. But is that a legitimate excuse? I think not.

There is no excuse for this persistent fading out of matches and like recent years they will be ruthlessly punished for it when a more competitive team comes to Croke Park.

Another confusing thing about them is the number of ridiculous individual solo runs, down a cul-de-sac, several players are continually guilty of. Collie Moran and Mark Vaughan in particular. It leads to some dreadful option taking and/or near impossible shots at the posts.

There is serious athleticism in the team but it is not being utilised correctly. They need to simplify their approach. Play ball to a man in space. The assist is just as valuable as the score. Alan Brogan is another who can come out of a minor rut if he starts playing more heads up football.

It militates against progress when players try to do it on their own. Down through the years, only a handful of players have been gifted enough or smart enough to dominate proceedings.

Now the Dublin management are no mugs and they are the ones on the ground at training each night so they would be aware of this problem.

They will also see the crisis developing at half forward. Conal Keaney, Brogan and Mark Vaughan are all better suited to the inside line but at least one of them is required further out the field.

Ideally, Keaney and Brogan should always be close to goal with Vaughan allowed to embrace his wandering spirit (by the way, yesterday he confirmed himself as a team regular).

Mossie Quinn did a decent job of picking out team-mates with some slick passing when at centre forward. Only problem is he lacks a physical presence to play the role for 70 minutes. He doesn't get on the ball enough.

There are several positives, namely Bernard Brogan enhanced his reputation, although he too was guilty of over-playing the ball. The six backs have gelled into an effective unit with Bryan Cullen holding the middle well now that he has abandoned his constant forays up the field.

The real plus though was the outstanding performance of Shane Ryan. The man is a workhorse. He possesses great upper body strength, he's brave and he knows how to escape from an intersection of bodies with minimal contact.

Unlike those mentioned above, Ryan is quick to deliver the ball on to others in better positions.

One thing Dublin did address yesterday, and it will bode well as the championship progresses, was the use of their bench.

I'm not going to be liked for this in the capital but it became apparent yesterday that Jason Sherlock is not the answer as an impact sub. He lacks the pace required for this level. A clever football brain is still evident but that can only get a player on the ball. It won't get him into a scoring position.

The pace of a Ray Cosgrove or Declan Lally can have a genuine impact and improve the half forward line.

What of Offaly? Very little really. They were unable to live with Dublin's early pace. Niall McNamee is a fine forward and perhaps the presence of Thomas Deehan might have assisted their cause further. PJ Ward was brought in this year to be the target man that McNamee and Deehan could work off but he was devoured by Ross McConnell (a player who is blossoming into a quality full back).

Also, Offaly overdid the in-your-face intimidation tactics. I'm an advocate of playing hard but play the ball. Pat Roe has an arduous task ahead. Dublin have three weeks to work out their flaws. If not, they will stumble when the real championship pressure comes on.