Following Georgia’s embarrassing loss to Tennessee, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo joined Willie Martinez in hearing the questioning cries regarding capability.

Criticism of the two was expected because of a 3-3 start reeking of inconsistent play, but players say those on the field should be held just as accountable.

“That’s probably one of the worst feelings is people saying how bad the coaches are doing when you know its on you,” said Georgia quarterback Joe Cox.

Fans began doubting Martinez last year, and were quick to cast judgment in, “See I told you so fashion” soon after the season-opening loss to Oklahoma State. And, looking at the statistics, there is some validity to the complaints.

The Georgia defense is not playing at the same level as in previous seasons, ranking last in the SEC while giving up over 30 points a game, almost double the points allowed (16) in 2005, Martinez’ first year as coordinator.

Still, Georgia defenders repeat strong sentiment for their coach, who just a short time ago was thought of as an up-and-coming head-coaching candidate.

“To me, it’s a joke,” said Georgia linebacker Rennie Curran.

“They obviously don’t know the type of person coach Martinez is and the type of brilliance he has as a coach. I feel like he is one of the best coordinators out there.”

Bobo has, for the most part, skirted by criticism since taking over the offensive coordinator duties in 2007. In his first two seasons calling the shots, Bobo had Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno to build game plans around. Now, following his two stars’ departure to the NFL, he has the 11th-ranked offense in the conference, averaging fewer yards a game than the likes of Kentucky and Vanderbilt.

“I have all the confidence in coach Bobo and all the guys in the locker room do too,” said Georgia tight end Aron White. “Day-in and day-out he puts his heart and soul into the program and does his best. I can’t expect anything more than that.”

Players’ demeanor this week regarding criticism was a mix of frustration and motivation. Martinez and Bobo are the men these players pledged four years of service to as highly respected recruits in high school.

“I mean, people are going to talk,” said safety Bryan Evans. “Some are just observers of football, they don’t know football.”

Said White: “You know it hurts a little bit, because you expect a certain amount of allegiance from the fans but I know where they are coming from because they are trying to help make us a better team. They’re trying to give us advice.”

Said Curran: “It frustrates me when I see stuff like that from people that really don’t know what they’re talking about saying negative things.”

Said Cox: “It’s tough hearing about your coaches being on hot seats and all that because they’re not playing the game.”

Coach Mark Richt came to Bobo’s defense directly following the Tennessee loss, and has done the same for Martinez in the past. He told his team Sunday to expect a surge in negativity.

“I just talked to them about making sure they stay focused on the important things,” he said. “There are certain things you can control in life and certain things you can’t control. What people say about you or your team or your coaches, you can’t control that. All you can control is how you focus, how you prepare and how you keep your mental frame of mind. We have control over that, so those are the things that I talked about and really helped them understand that the only thing we can do that can be the most productive thing for us right now is to really focus on this ballgame.”

Richt’s prognostication proved accurate as players began fielding questions about play-calling, schemes, preparation and all matters involving coaching Sunday night.

But they’ve been proactive, calling a players-only meeting Tuesday night. What was said is classified, but playing better for the sake of Martinez and Bobo is one discernable message.

“I always say, it’s not just about who you have coaching the guys, but it’s about the players running that scheme and the players executing,” Curran said.

“They’re calling plays and they’re not going to be able to call perfect games all the time,” Cox said. “You have to have guys make plays and execute the game plan out there. We haven’t done that.”