Leaving Tralee on Saturday night, I felt it was an opportunity lost for Armagh.
Beforehand, we were expecting a free-flowing game. It was anything but that.
Reading back Enda McGinley's column on Tuesday, discussing the continued relevance of the blanket defence, I shouldn't have been too shocked.
But nonetheless I had anticipated that the Armagh that would show up would be the flamboyant, free-flowing, free-spirited outfit we've seen in recent seasons.
Obviously, their approach at the weekend was conditioned by the intimidation factor posed by the Kerry attack, particularly with their two Galacticos (David Clifford and Sean O'Shea) back in the starting side.
It was impressive how they handled Kerry's attack. But I felt it was an opportunity for Armagh on Saturday night. I think they could have taken the points had they been a bit more ambitious and adventurous.
On the TV coverage, Colm Cooper highlighted the role of Rian O'Neill in the first half, and how he played very deep. Armagh had a wind at their back at the time too. It was frustrating to see one of the hottest and best forwards in the country, playing in a deeper role. We saw the difference when he was shoved into full-forward and the danger he posed when he handled possession inside.
Kerry, after the two Cliffords and O'Shea were (largely) snuffed out, reacted well and different leaders emerged. The half-back line, in particular, were pivotal in dragging them over the line. Tadhg Morley, Paul Murphy and Stefan Okunbor were all outstanding on the night.
From a neutral perspective, I thought we'd see more fireworks. But that's the nature of defensive set-ups and how the current game has evolved.
There was a 21-minute period in the second half where Armagh didn't score, although they did come out like a train immediately after the restart. It was there we saw one of their core strengths in action, Ethan Rafferty setting the tone. He's taken the roaming goalkeeper role to a whole new level.
Ultimately, the game highlighted the need for Armagh to find a better blend between attack and defence.
Under Kieran McGeeney, despite plenty of progress in recent years, Armagh haven't actually won anything yet.
You look at them on paper and you'd definitely see them as a top 3-5 team. Rian O'Neill, Andrew Murnin, Jarly Óg Burns - who was brilliant at the weekend - Rory Grugan, Ethan Rafferty. They've star-studded players.
But they need to find a balance between all-out attack and all-out defence, and find somewhere in the middle that can marry the best aspects of the two.
They've had a taste of the All-Ireland series in that memorable semi-final against Galway last year. I'd say there's lingering regret that they didn't get over the line there, considering they held the initiative and had most of the momentum in extra-time.
For Armagh, this year needs to bring silverware. You'd be looking at them for Ulster. A provincial title is easily achievable for that crop based on the talent they have available.
The Ulster pecking order has been heavily debated given the changing of the guard last summer.
But let's be clear. Derry are the best team in Ulster until they're beaten. They tore up the script last year, turned the province on its head. And the early signs are that momentum has carried into 2023.
They totally dominated the McKenna Cup - as reliable an indicator as you can find in pre-season - and the league could hardly have gone better up until now.
Promotion from Division 2 looks a near certainty at this stage and Dublin on Saturday night will be an exciting barometer of where they're at - albeit the Dubs are not close to firing on all cylinders.
Derry's setup is limited in terms of personnel. Rory Gallagher has made no secret that he's going with a 29-man panel and doesn't want to waste time on lads he doesn't need or want to see.
They're still the top dog in Ulster and favourites for the province, with Armagh currently ranked No. 2.
But then Ulster doesn't feel as strong as it once was - based on the league performance at any rate.
Tyrone have been extremely poor so far this year. Even as regards their sole win, you'd have to wonder how strong were Donegal that afternoon - they're nowhere near the team we associate with the likes of Ryan McHugh, Michael Murphy and are weakened again now due to the absence of Paddy McBrearty.
I don't detect the same hunger or zeal in Tyrone that we witnessed in the autumn of '21. It feels like they're stuck in a rut at the moment. It's worrying times for Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher.
They were actually quite feeble in how they died against Mayo at the weekend. Started really well, 0-04 to 0-01 up after 20 minutes, but they failed to maintain that. It seemed that once Mayo went ahead, that was the game essentially. After the third goal - superbly taken by Enda Hession - Tyrone never threatened at all.
It's not as if they're shy of quality. Darren McCurry, Darragh Canavan, Cathal McShane - most counties would die for a full-forward line of that ability.
From the outside, the squad turnover issue is a puzzler. It's not just the names that have left, it's the quantity of them that have left since '21. You'd have to question what that is.
You could write off 2022 to a degree. Very hard to replicate the levels of the year before. But I was expecting a huge response this year. We just haven't seen it yet.
Can they get back to 2021 form? I just don't see it. And the way they're performing at the moment, you can't see it happening too fast. They're planted at the bottom and in serious danger of relegation.
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