The Rams showed signs of life, but the real test lies on Monday Night Football

Maybe the Rams are finally beginning to look like the team they were supposed to be all along.Or maybe they’re simply getting better at surviving the very problems that have threatened to derail a season built around Super Bowl expectations.There is a difference.And it’s an important one.The Rams provided a glimpse of their considerable potential Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, rallying for a victory that might ultimately be remembered as the moment their season turned around.The offense rediscovered its swagger.

The defense delivered when it absolutely had to.And a team dangerously close to losing control of its season demonstrated the resilience and urgency that had been missing far too often.It was encouraging.

It was necessary.But was it convincing?That’s the question hanging over the Rams as they prepare to welcome the Buffalo Bills to SoFi Stadium on Monday night for a matchup that should provide a much clearer picture of exactly where they stand.Because one dramatic victory doesn’t erase a month of uneven football.Nor does it automatically resolve the offensive inconsistencies, defensive vulnerabilities and special teams failures that have complicated their start.What it does is provide a foundation.Now comes the harder part: building on it.“We know that we need to play consistently cleaner football to go where we want to go and to have the progress that’s necessary to be reflected as this season continues to evolve and as we play more games,” Rams coach Sean McVay said.That’s the challenge facing the Rams.They entered this season believing they possessed one of the NFL’s most complete rosters.

Matthew Stafford remains capable of operating an offense at an elite level.McVay is still among the game’s brightest offensive minds.

And the collection of playmakers surrounding Stafford gives Los Angeles enough firepower to overwhelm opponents when everything is functioning properly.Yet for too much of the opening month, the Rams have ...