Many commentators felt that Mayo were in a bit of bother heading into last weekend's qualifier against Monaghan.
Despite having home advantage in Castlebar, it was thought that the injury issues suffered by James Horan's side could count against them. Monaghan also have a habit of pulling out a big performance when required.
However, there was to be no upset. Mayo would run out as four-point winners on a 1-13 to 0-12 scoreline, leading for the vast majority of the game. They will now face Kildare in the next round of the backdoor.
Pat Spillane unconvinced by Mayo forwards
While they did navigate a tricky game last time out, Pat Spillane does not see Mayo making much noise later in the championship.
Speaking on the RTÉ GAA podcast, the Kerry legend said that the Connacht county lack the firing power to challenge some of the best teams in the country.
I wasn't that impressed by Mayo. Yes, they won and they deservedly won. Is there real lasting in this Mayo team? I don't think so.
I look at the forwards and I look at their scoring return. I don't see it. The starting six got two points last week. An awful lot was made (on Sky Sports) of their shooting efficiency in their first half.
It was 10 shots, eight scores. You say, 'yeah that's very good' but then I realised out of those eight scores, there was only three from play. And how much did the forwards score? They got one point from play in the first half. Ten shots at goal from a team that was dominating isn't great...
Ryan O'Donoghue is still doubtful, he's a big loss. The O'Connors were poor last week. I liked Aidan O'Shea around the middle of the field, he had good energy. (Matthew) Ruane was good.
The Mayo team that were beaten by Kildare in Newbridge a few years ago was on its last legs. There's probably a kick in them still - enough to beat Kildare.
But I wasn't impressed by Mayo. They were against a very average Monaghan team that were there for the taking and they huffed and they puffed and they and they just managed to get over the line.
Mayo will be favourites to beat Kildare in their clash on Saturday afternoon, although how far they can go in this year's All-Ireland series remains to be seen.
They certainly don't seem to have the depth in talent that they possessed in earlier years, although similar comments were being made prior to their run to the All-Ireland final in 2021.
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