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.

Have Rams turned a corner?

“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 looked like a team trying to find its rhythm rather than one dictating it.

Their season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia exposed troubling issues on both sides of the ball. Even their subsequent victory over the New York Giants came with qualifications.

There were encouraging performances, including Davante Adams reminding everyone how dangerous he remains. But turnovers, missed opportunities and stretches of offensive frustration prevented the Rams from establishing the kind of control expected of a legitimate championship contender.

Against Philadelphia, those problems persisted for three quarters.

“Execution,” McVay said when asked what was missing. “We just didn’t do what we’re accustomed to doing whether that was consistently hitting blocks the way that we’re capable of in the run game, being able to distribute the field and throw catch, and just consistent execution the way that we’re capable of.”

And then, almost out of nowhere, the Rams became the offense everyone expected.

Stafford completed 12 of 15 passes over the final two touchdown drives, marching the Rams 98 and 78 yards to turn a potential disaster into a season-saving victory.

Puka Nacua, returning from injury, made his presence felt. Kyren Williams delivered the physical running that has become his trademark. And the offensive line provided Stafford the protection necessary to operate.

“I think that’s really more in alignment with what we’re capable of, but I don’t want to keep talking about it,” McVay said. “I want to see us be able to bring it to life on a more consistent basis and I know the players feel the same way.”

Therein lies the issue.

The Rams have enough talent to overcome prolonged stretches of poor execution against certain opponents. Against the NFL’s best teams, however, waiting until the fourth quarter to find their offensive identity is a dangerous proposition.

Rams on other side of the ball

And that brings us to the defense.

If there was one element of Sunday’s victory that felt particularly sustainable, it was the defense’s ability to keep Philadelphia from putting the game away.

The Eagles converted just one of 14 third downs, while defensive coordinator Chris Shula consistently generated pressure and forced Philadelphia to earn every yard.

The goal-line stand that preceded the Rams’ 98-yard touchdown drive was especially significant.

“Our motto is, ‘Make them snap it one more time,’” safety Quentin Lake said. “There’s always another opportunity to be able to do something, and that was on display on that drive.”

Even without Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald, the Rams generated meaningful pressure, with Byron Young and Kobie Turner helping lead the effort.

Now imagine what that defense might look like when reinforcements arrive.

McVay is hopeful Donald can play against the Bills, while Garrett continues progressing toward a return from knee surgery.

“That’s the hope. I don’t want to pigeonhole, but yeah, that’s the direction that it looks like it’s trending in,” McVay said of Donald.

Nacua also emerged from Sunday’s game feeling healthy, another encouraging development for an offense that needs its full complement of weapons.

But the Rams cannot simply assume improved health will resolve every problem.

Especially not on special teams.

The mistakes against Philadelphia were another reminder that the Rams remain vulnerable in an area that should be far more dependable.

A 41-yard punt return allowed, a missed field goal and continued struggles in the return game created unnecessary obstacles.

“We need better,” McVay acknowledged. “We have to be able to produce better and that’s where we’re at with that.”

And the penalties?

Those have become another recurring problem, repeatedly undermining drives and putting the Rams in difficult situations.

“The things that really chapped me that I think are a reflection of an undisciplined team are the pre-snap, the procedural things,” McVay said.

Which makes Monday’s meeting with Buffalo particularly revealing.

Josh Allen and the Bills possess the offensive firepower to punish mistakes, exploit defensive breakdowns and make the Rams pay for extended stretches of offensive dysfunction.

At 2-2, Los Angeles has already surrendered valuable ground in the NFC West. There is little room for continued inconsistency, especially considering the expectations surrounding this roster.

Stafford understands the challenge.

“Yeah, we need to play better, for sure,” he said. “And how does that happen? That happens by just getting back to work and making sure that we’re doing everything we can to prepare to play better.”

Sunday in Philadelphia offered a reminder of what the Rams are capable of becoming.

Monday against Buffalo offers an opportunity to prove they’re actually getting there.

Because the Rams don’t need another glimpse of their potential.

They need sustained evidence that their potential is finally becoming their identity.