Whelan: Unpredictable Dublin can take out a big-hitter
Dublin may not be the force of old, or even a likely destination for Sam Maguire this year, but former player Ciarán Whelan still feels the Boys in Blue are capable of taking out an All-Ireland contender.
After opening the All-Ireland series with a win in Salthill, Dublin fell to a five-point defeat to Armagh in Croke Park to reinforce the notion that the Metropolitans are some way off the kind of form that would suggest a tilt at Sam.
In a game where the Orchard County looked in control for the majority, Dublin's 17 wides over the course of the 70 minutes contributed significantly to their downfall.
They hit the woodwork twice and dropped several more point attempts short too while three separate breaches of the 4/3 rule in the second-half resulted in three easy points for Armagh.
The Dubs still occupy second place in the group ahead of the their final-round clash with Derry, yet most bookmakers have Kerry, Armagh, Donegal and Tyrone ahead of Farrell's side in the pecking order for ultimate honours in 2025.
Speaking on the RTÉ GAA podcast, Whelan says Dublin inconsistent displays all year were brought to the fore against the All-Ireland champions.
"Dublin have had some hot patches, but there have been portions of games where they have been overran," he said. "That's been a trend all year.
"They had the chances, and the chances were easy enough. Armagh stood off them and they weren't kicking wides under pressure.
"In the second quarter they lost their way on the kickout. There has been a lot of responsibility played on Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne, who has been playing very well, but I don't think he has the same level of support across the middle. Armagh were then able to take over."
The two-time All-Star, however, did take some solace from a Dublin side that was shorn the services of captain Con O'Callaghan.
Acknowledging that the strength in depth that served the Dubs so well during their recent dominance of the football championship is no longer there, Whelan still feels they can
"Could they still be dangerous? Absolutely. I still think when they perform, there is a performance in them. They could still take a team out as there is an unpredictability about them.
"Do I see them winning the All-Ireland? No, but they can still be dangerous, particularly if they get Con back. He makes such a difference, he is their leader."
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