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I'm surprised this thread hasn't been resurrected. The big positive to me as I watched the Derry v Galway game, was this might just be the nadir, the point where the clamour for change can no longer be ignored. We've seen where the tactical evolution has gotten us, almost 70k in croker and the place like a library for most of the 1st half. Chances are we'll see more of the same in a fortnight, though it won't work to the same degree. Regardless of that, the real problem is that these big games are providing a window into what's happening up and down the country at club level. Managers see that it can bring results, players for the most part hate it, but if they don't co-operate, they won't be picked. The sport needs some simple, easily enforceable rules which can be applied to all games up and down the country.
To me, no passing back beyond half way is the most straightforward, probably needs at least 2 players from each side in each half at all times too though.

I'm glad we didn't see any of that nonsense in the Dublin and Kerry game yesterday 

So am I but unfortunately that is the exception rather than the rule recently.  Derry Galway was a snoozer as was Derry v Donegal, as was Cork v Dublin.  It's sad to hear Croke Park so quiet during an All-Ireland semi final.  I've said before, the coaches won't change it so the governing body must before it's too late.  Start by eliminating back passes over the half way line and see how it works..

Westmeath v Cavan - Cavan by 5
Derry v Galway - Derry by 2
Dublin v Kerry - Dublin by 4

That Dublin v Cork game was some snoozer.  Hoping for better tomorrow

Derry v Clare - Derry by 6
Dublin v Cork - Dublin by 11
Galway v Armagh - Armagh by 2
Kerry v Mayo - Mayo by 1

The Sligo v Cavan game was very enjoyable and (in fairness) the best team won.  We struggled around the middle getting possession, we need a big man in there with good hands as Cavan caught way too many balls easily.  However, I thought our backs play exceptionally well,  Evan Lyons had a brilliant game and is definitely a name to watch.

Our missed chances obviously cost us and the fact that we conceded the first 6 scored didn't help. I am optimistic for the future, there's some really good young talent on this team, and some great prospects in the pipeline.  We need to get out of Division 4 this year and get back on track.

Overall, the Tailteann cup has been very enjoyable to watch, plenty of scores and I think it is here to stay.

Offaly v Westmeath - Offaly 3
Cavan v Sligo Sligo 2

`I'm not advocating hoofball - I'm simply saying that football is being left in the dark compared to hurling in terms of entertainment value.  People go to football games to be entertained not to witness 1,000 hand passes.  Entertainment and attendances are directly correlated so eventually many people will stop going to these games.  If we don't think we need to enact some changes to change this, then I fear very much for the future of football.

When people like myself, (who has played the game and watched the game for many years) stop watching live games (unless Sligo are involved), then there is a major problem with football.  I know there are many like myself now who would rather just watch the Sunday Game to see the highlights rather than suffer through an hour and a half of hand passing, back passing, loaded defenses, strategic kickouts etc.

Agree that this is due to stats, coaching and fear of losing - all of these things have been effective for teams but unfortunately at the total expense of the enjoyment factor.  Coaches won't change so the rules must before it's too late.

Week 9 fixtures, 4 games at neutral venues:

Roscommon v Clare --Roscommon by 4
Limerick v Cork ---  Cork by 6

Kildare v Mayo ----  Kildare by 2
Donegal v Armagh ---  Armagh by 4

Mayo v Monaghan Mayo by 4
Clare v Meath Clare by 3

Cork v Louth Cork by 7
Armagh v Tyrone Armagh by 2

Leitrim v Sligo Sligo by 2
Fermanagh v Cavan Cavan by 4

Carlow v Westmeath Westmeath by 7
Offaly v New York Offaly by 7

Time to resurrect this topic after the ulster final fiasco.

1) shot clock
2) no backpass over half way line
3) at least 5 players on the offensive half at all times
4) managers that consider entertainment and not just results.

Full credit to Derry but for a neutral that was brutal to watch its time for change

How on earth are you going to police all that? Ludicrous to suggest this. Far bigger problems needs sorting than that. Wasn't the prettiest to watch, but it was tense, and was more entertaining than what we got served yesterday. I'll take that game all day than the frauds of finals we saw yesterday.

God help us all if we are willing to go to, pay for and watch that nonsense today.  It was brutal, no other words.  Yes the other games were lopsided but at least they tried to play football not handpass all over the field and afraid to take shots. I think we will lose a lot of fans if this continues and it's sad to see the game played like this..

Time to resurrect this topic after the ulster final fiasco.

1) shot clock
2) no backpass over half way line
3) at least 5 players on the offensive half at all times
4) managers that consider entertainment and not just results.

Full credit to Derry but for a neutral that was brutal to watch its time for change

Commentators are desperately negative. This is a meat grinder of a match. Padraig Mc Grogan tackle earlier was incredible.

You must be watching on RTE, the BBC coverage is excellent, during the match and the analysis from Harte, McConville and Canavan. BBC by far the best GAA coverage at the minute.

Yes correct watching the game on gaago. I don't understand why Darragh Maloney doesn't get the gig. It was a huge passion killer for me to hear Marty Morrisey and Kevin Mc Stay talking, Christ their awful and then that big school boy Colm O Rourke chirping in he would depress a clown with his continuously droll negative voice.

Marty's not the passion killer the shyte 400 hand passes over and back is.  So sad to see the game I loved so well reduced to this unwatchable snooze fest .

Puke football multiplied by 500

Dublin v Kildare        Dublin by 7
Kerry v Limerick        Kerry by 11
Galway v Roscommon   Galway by 4
Donegal v Derry        Derry by 2

Offaly v Wicklow    Offaly by 3
Carlow v Tipperary    Tipperary by 5
Laois v Westmeath      Westmeath by 3

Longford v Fermanagh Fermanagh by2
Leitrim v Antrim     Antrim by 4
Sligo v London       Sligo by 9
Cavan v Down       Cavan by 5