In a subdued Croke Park, Dessie Farrell's Dublin side finally wore down Roscommon on Saturday.
A strong bench performance secured a first win in the defence of their All-Ireland SFC title, but it wasn't exactly rip-roaring championship fare.
There was less than 15,000 supporters in attendance, making for a decidely flat atmosphere.
Next up for the Dubs is a trip to Kingspan Breffni Park to face Cavan - and Farrell insisted his team are relishing the trip.
"There is always a good atmosphere in the venues that we go to. The supporters do as well.
"We will learn a lot from that game today. Playing better opposition along the way tests you in different ways that you haven't been earlier in the championship campaign.
"That is to be welcomed because it's only through the learning and growth of those types of challenges that you can actually improve as a team."
Farrell insisted a slow start was to be expected against the Rossies.
"We had anticipated it would go that far into the game before an obvious winner became apparent," he said.
"Roscommon had five weeks to prepare for Dublin, that's a long time setting your sights on one opposition."
The Dubs manager praised the Rossies' approach in the first half.
"They had their game plan well refined. They made it very difficult to break down, their shooting efficiency, in the first half was off the charts.
"They made it very difficult to put any daylight between us."
After the third quarter, with only one point between the sides, Farrell breathed new life into his team by introducing Sean Bugler and Jack McCaffrey. He was more than pleased with their impact.
"We started to roll the bench then and gaps started to appear and open up.
"Players are asked to play different roles at different times. They might be starting; they could be finishing.
"But I'm delighted how the subs finished the game for us."
With a quick turnaround to face Cavan next week away from home, the Dublin manager will be assessing injuries.
There could be a question mark over Cian Murphy, who limped off the pitch after throwing himself into a block, while there may also be a return to action for 33-year-old James McCarthy in the coming weeks.
"James picked up a knock after the Leinster final," said Farrell.
"He is unfortunate with injuries this season, he has had his fair share, a lesser man might have given up at this point.
"Hopefully makes an appearance for us before the qualifier series is out."
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