A method of drying a paper web is provided. The method utilizes a dryer, such as a through-dryer, having a first dryer section and a second dryer section. Within the first dryer section, a relatively wet paper web is dried at an elevated temperature, such as between about 400 F. to about 500 F. After being dried by the first dryer section, the web is relatively dry and is further dried by the second dryer section at a reduced temperature, such as between about 300 F. to about 400 F. A variety of control techniques can also be utilized to control the temperature of each dryer section.