Complex sentence: The defense showed some improved in 2009 giving up an average of 36.4 PPG, including 28.8 PPG in the last 4 games, but offensive ineffectiveness and breakdowns at key moments in addition to special teams breakdowns rendered the defensive improvements moot.
Split into simpler sentences: The defense showed some improved in 2009 giving up an average of 36.4 PPG, including 28.8 PPG in the last 4 games. Unfortunately, ineffectiveness and breakdowns at key moments in the offensive and special teams units rendered the defensive improvements moot.