The Rams’ first-team defense rebounded nicely after a shaky showing in the preseason opener at Tennessee. It yielded just two field goals vs. the Chargers and then a single 3-pointer vs. the Ravens. (The starters didn’t play last Thursday at KC.)

Still, the unit has much to prove after finishing 21st in total defense and giving up more points than just one team in 2007, cautioned linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa. “We can say we’re a lot better than last year, but until we go out there and prove that, it’s not going to count,” he said.

The first chance for the defense to bulk up its credibility comes Sunday in Philly against an Eagles offense that finished sixth in the league in total yards last year.

“It’s a great test for us,” Tinoisamoa said. “You have (running back) Brian Westbrook back there, and he’s one of the finest in the league, not only running the ball but catching the ball as well.”

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Notes & quotes:

>>WR Donnie Avery sat out practice again Wednesday and looks very iffy for Sunday.

>>Though he’s practiced just once with the Rams, newly acquired special-teams vet Gary Stills will be ready for a busy day vs. the Eagles. “It’s not really a big adjustment,” said Stills, who was released by the Ravens. “The technique is pretty much the same. The number counts are different, but it’s special teams. You’ve just got to run and react.”

>>After a two-week crash course, ex-holdout Steven Jackson “is ready to go,” coach Scott Linehan reported. “He looks like his old self to me. I’m excited about the kind of game he’s going to have.”

>>Comparing Torry Holt now to his state at this juncture in 2007 is “night and day,” Linehan said. Holt fought knee problems most of last year, but has been frisky since the opening of training camp. “I just really see a rejuvenated guy . . . with a very focused attitude on what needs to be done,” Linehan said.

>>S Brannon Condren, picked up after being cut by the Colts, was a walk-on at Troy (Ala.) University.

>>Condren is wearing No. 42 and Stills No. 55. CB Ricky Manning Jr., the other recent acquisition, has No. 27.

All for now . . .