Replying To tirawleybaron: "I know it's early in the year but is it just me or are we beginning to see a return to attacking football particularly in the lower divisions of the league? Div 1 still has plenty of defensive teams ( Tyrone, Monaghan, Cavan) but the leading teams in the other divisions are certainly giving football a chance (Kildare and Clare ,tipp, Armagh and Sligo, Waterford and Westmeath). Even Donegal are playing a lot more football this year. Who knows, we might get back to the football of the late 90s and 2000's if we are lucky"
From what I've seen to date all Div 1 teams are defensive - the only difference is Dubs, Kerry, Mayo and Tyrone counterattack at pace and that's why they are top 4 - with the Dubs and Kerry having the better score conversion rate. Cavan are very defensive and offer very little going forward imo.
Replying To tirawleybaron: "Dublin often tend to go full court press particularly against defensive teams who have no fielders. It hems them in and the Dubs can rack up 6-8 points in a few minutes and put a game to bed (most Leinster matches). Mayo were the same under Horan but do it less nowadays. Kerry also scored heavily in patches against Dublin when they have gone on a full press. You never see The Donegals or Tyrones try this out of shear fear. You also need a strong midfield to ensure they opposition don't win long kick outs and bypass your whole tactic (like Donegal did to Dublin in 14). The reason Dublin have been so Dominant lately is that they found a Fenton who is an excellent fielder. It's no coincidence that Dublin are unbeaten when he plays."
St. Marys today and Slaughtneil have put paid to the stereotypical nonsense that Ulster teams ONLY play defensive football. Both these sides have succeeded with controlled possession, excellent defence, attacking briilance and superb scores.