Derry need to re-discover the spirit that propelled them to successive Ulster titles in 2022 and 2023, while ironing out the indiscipline which has plagued them, according to the Sunday Game panel.
Last year's league champions were knocked out of the Ulster championship at the first hurdle by Donegal for the second year running.
Unlike in 2024, when Donegal's victory in Celtic Park was regarded as an ambush which blew the provincial race wide open, this was an expected outcome in Ballybofey on Sunday, with Paddy Tally's side coming in off the back of a wretched league campaign which saw them relegated with one point.
While the away side showed some flashes of their old self at the beginning of both halves, they were undermined by poor execution up front, with Donegal building up a head of steam and running out 10-point winners.
Eamonn Fitzmaurice reckons their fragile confidence is a far cry from the air of intent and conviction that was a hallmark of the side during their runs to the All-Ireland semi-final in 2022 and 2023 and their triumphant league campaign last spring.
"They do seem devoid of confidence at the moment. They scored 13 off 29 shots, they missed a penalty. They conceded 1-10 off their own kickout.
"They've a bit of work to do but they have players out that they'll get back. But they have six or seven weeks now to get themselves re-grouped.
"Refresh some of their big names, the likes of Conor Glass who's done a lot of heavy lifting for them over this season. Get Shane McGuigan back into the groove.
"In particular, if they re-find that spirit back that they had that made them so good over the last couple of seasons. That's something Paddy Tally is going to have to try and work on over the next couple of weeks."
Dessie Dolan pinpointed their discipline as a major issue, citing incidents involving Brendan Rogers, Lachlann Murray and Ciaran McFaul saw them give up easy scores.
"If you're a manager looking at that, it's small margins at the elite level. And Derry's indiscipline cost them.
"And it's not players making debuts or inexperienced players, it's the likes of Brendan Rogers. And that's a worry."
