Since that win against Armagh there has been a volte-face in an entire county's mood, flipping from pessimism to elation. Dangerously so. 

Every Kerry player was excellent against Armagh, but Seán O’Shea stood head and shoulders above everyone

If Kerry are to unseat the All-Ireland champions in Croke Park, they will have to make Armagh uncomfortable. Push out, get in their faces. Play with the anger that has to be in their bellies

Every county still standing has lost at least once. Armagh, Tyrone and Dublin have lost twice. Teams have come into and fallen out of form on a remarkably regular basis

Our chief football analyst knows only too well what sort of mood the Kerry camp will be in this week after their nine-point hammering by Meath

Derry and Mayo gone. Meath are flying. Cork survive. A Con O’Callaghan-powered Dublin ominously move forward. Meanwhile an injury-stricken and flat Kerry face three weeks on the bounce to make an All-Ireland semi-final.

In football's new world, it is a lot harder to play the type of slow controlled football that would suit a team on the go for a third week in a row, emphasising the importance of that top spot.

In Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Kerry were back out for the second half early and had time to reset to being with 14 men. In contrast Cork were late back out and didn’t have that opportunity to rejig when they realised Paul Walsh had been black-carded

After provincial setbacks, Cork and Meath aim to recalibrate and reignite their All-Ireland hopes in key weekend battles

The first instinct of too many Kerry players when they receive possession is to take a solo. It slows the game down when the ball could be moved up the pitch with greater urgency.