Tyrone are bound to be formidable, says O’Keeffe
The message is simple - don't blame the backs solely for the concession of three goals in an eleven-minute period. A 'collective weakness' was reason enough and complacency was the cause.
"I think we relaxed a bit and Roscommon, in fairness, kept their game going. It did show up weaknesses in our team. It was a collective weakness, not only in the back line, but throughout the field. I felt and the lads know it themselves the effort wasn't there, in a defensive way. The time you think a game is over is the time when you can be caught."
Twelve months ago, Kerry had seven games played prior to taking on Cork (for the third time) in the Bank of Ireland SFC semi-final. By avoiding any replays and winning the Munster title, Kerry have reached the same stage on Sunday against Tyrone playing just three times.
O'Keeffe agrees it was hectic last year, when they had a sustained programme of games over a short period, and one which may have had negative effects.
"We were almost going from week to week and we hardly had time to draw our breath. For that reason I think we were 'caught' by the wins we had, particularly against Kildare and Cork. We were 'set up' a little bit, in that they may have brought on a little bit of complacency. Everything seemed to be going so well, but we were finally caught by a team who struggled their way through the championship. That helped Armagh in a tight game in the end."
He was greatly impressed by Tyrone in their victory over Cavan in the NFL final, particularly by the brand of football they played. Afterwards he expressed the view that he expected them to go 'a long way' in the championship.
"It was very obvious that they were all very comfortable on the ball. They play the game at a high tempo and they have some clinical finishers, particularly (Peter) Canavan and even more so (Eoin) Mulligan, who has had a terrific year.
"I have also been very impressed by Sean Kavanagh from the very beginning. In the league game when we played them in Killarney, his mobility around the field was something I hadn't seen from a midfielder for a long time.
"You must also realise that they are coming from under-age success over a number of years, and that's beginning to come together for them at senior level. For those reasons they are bound to be a formidable team at this stage!"
O'Keeffe also feels Tyrone are showing the benefit of some important lessons learned along the way. It's to be seen in the maturity of their play, something lacking last year when they more or less self-destructed in the qualifier game with Sligo, on the same day Donegal knocked out Meath.
"You would have to be impressed by the character they showed in the drawn Ulster final against Down. I'd say that's a big factor. It's important in the development of any team. You're going to have your learning phase and you'll have your defeats and maybe last year was a learning experience for them. They were in Croke Park and they'll obviously be a better team as a result.
"They responded very well to pressure in the drawn games and the replays. That is character-building, learning more about yourselves, and creating confidence and self-belief.
"All this adds up to a very difficult assignment for us."
The Tralee native takes little notice of the fact that Tyrone weren't tested in their quarter-final game (they hammered Fermanagh). What's relevant is they have had a combination of 'battles' and easy wins. Based on the understanding that all of the squad have had a run out in the championship at some stage or another, he believes their overall strength makes them even more formidable opposition.
"They have a magnificent panel. With the high tempo game they play, it means they can bring in players with fresh legs who will be equally as good as the players on the field."
There won't be any room for complacency this time out.
"I don't think we could afford to. If that sets in again we have no chance," he warns.
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