The defense for the UCLA Football in 2016 had an above average year, but not great. This past season, the defense had an overall improvement, especially with the run defense, but other things limited their effectiveness.
The Bruins did have a few stumbles and with the shaky offense keeping the defense on the field more than they should have, it burned out the defense late in games and late in the season.
Though it was disappointing, there were a few things that gives hope for the future, but there are also a lot of questions left unanswered.