FORMER Tyrone star Joe McMahon is concerned about the team's ability to break down defences and execute scores.
The Red Hands are the lowest scorers in Division One of the NFL, and have managed just 1-11 from play over their three games to date.
Attacking failings surfaced again at Hyde Park in their last outing when forwards contributed just two scores from play.
Five Peter Harte frees and three points from goalkeeper Niall Morgan helped Mickey Harte's side salvage a point
"That's an area that they're struggling in at the minute. they're not creating the chances the way they have in the past, and it's a cause for concern," said McMahon.
"Mickey seems to be trying different personnel out and nobody is staking a claim, and the form of some of our players that have shown so well in the last couple of seasons haven't got to the level or the height that they have previously.
"It's difficult when you're in a position like this, but we have been there before, when we haven't been getting scores on the board. Questions were asked then, and maybe a bit of soul-searching done from the fellows, and that's why weekends away, like the trips to Roscommon and Kerry, give them the opportunity to spend time together and talk through things, work through things.
"I have no doubt that Mickey Harte, Horse (Gavin Devlin) and Stevie O'Neill are working on that on the training field. But it's one thing doing it on the training filed and actually going out and executing it.
"Connor McAliskey is not there, and he has got scores in the past, and Mark Bradley is also a miss."
Two-time All-Ireland winner McMahon is puzzled by Tyrone's apparent reluctance to utilise the offensive mark.
He feels they have players with ball-winning qualities suited to exploiting the new rule, which could contribute to an increased scoring rate.
"Something that Mickey doesn't seem to be pushing is the mark, and there was an opportunity against Roscommon, with that strong breeze, to chip a few balls from outside the 45 and had a free shot with a gale force wind at their back.
"It's something they didn't utilise, and possibly something to look at for future games, because they do have bit men like Cathal McShane inside, and Brian Kenned has been tried inside at times.
"It's another point of attack, because if they are struggling to get scores from open play, it's another option, and coming into the run that they will have, every game is a battle and it's hard to call any of the games."
McMahon is hoping to see his former team-mate Colm Cavanagh back in action in the near future.
The All-Star is recovering from an eye operation, and has yet to make his first appearance of the season.
Cavanagh's excellence in performing the sweeper role has been the foundation of Tyrone's successes in recent years, and his experience and influence are badly missed.
"Colm Cavanagh's qualities, not just as a player in keeping the defence sound structurally, but his leadership qualities are badly missed.
"If you're looking at the bigger picture further down the line, it's best for Colm to come back when the time suits him, but it's nice to be in Division One and to be competing at the highest level."
This weekend's Ulster derby against Monaghan is a crunch game for both sides, and a four-pointer which will give the winners of the Healy Park tie a huge lift in the battle to avoid relegation.
"After they beat Dublin, everybody was talking about Monaghan being the next contenders for the All-Ireland because they had toppled the mighty Dubs, and all of a sudden, after three games, they're still sitting on the three points, after losing to Roscommon and Galway.
"They're in a similar position to Tyrone, but I don't think Monaghan will be coming in with any less confidence, because their track record ion recent times against Tyrone in Healy Park isn't bad, and they won't be afraid of coming to Omagh. They'll relish this challenge and they seem to rise to it.
"It has the makings of an interesting contest, and I'd imagine both teams will be really going for it".
