Philadelphia Eagles: Andy Reid Rails Against "Dream Team" Claims

The Philadelphia Eagles have made some serious moves since last Monday when NFL franchises were allowed to begin conducting normal business post-lockout.

The first big transaction occurred when Philadelphia pulled off a huge trade with the Arizona Cardinals to move quarterback Kevin Kolb in return for corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round draft pick.

Then came the free agent signings: cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins, defensive end Jason Babin, quarterback Vince Young, tight end Donald Lee, and most recently running back Ronnie Brown.

The long-tenured Eagles coach Andy Reid has heard the players and media refer to this squad as the so called “dream team.”

Reid weighed in on his take of the self-titled “dream team” Tuesday morning during a radio interview:

"I've heard you guys comment about dream teams and all that stuff, and players come in talking about it, and all of that, but these guys haven't had an opportunity to practice. So right now we've got a lot of good-looking guys standing around watching.

“Obviously, dreams aren't reality. The reality will come when I can get my hands on them and get them into practice and we start grinding here like the other guys are grinding — that's reality. If you're dreaming in this league you end up in about the third row with a concussion."

Reid sees this title as a burden, not an ego boost. If the Eagles call themselves the “dream team,” then anything else but a Super Bowl victory would be a failure. He said he does not want that added pressure to perform up to expectations.

Philadelphia has bigger fish to fry still this offseason. Despite ending his lockout early, wide receiver DeSean Jackson still wants a new contract. Perhaps all the talent surrounding him makes him more motivated to practice versus holding out for more money.

In addition to ironing out contracts and finding a way for all the star power on the team to get involved where everyone on the squad is happy, the Eagles are up against a difficult schedule. The 2011 season includes noticeable home games against Chicago, New England, both New York teams and Dallas. The difficult road schedule include St. Louis, Atlanta, Seattle, Miami, Dallas and the New York Giants.

Reid is right-there’s plenty on the plate as it is.

Follow Brett Lyons on Twitter @BrettLyons670.