It was Kenny Bell’s turn Monday to be asked about Taylor Martinez, his throwing mechanics, his footwork and his progress so far in camp.

And the Nebraska receiver basically said he’s glad he’s not Martinez.

“I mean, the critiques people make on him … it’s unbelievable,” Bell said. “I feel real sorry for the kid. I don’t know how he does it with the straight face that he does, because I would really struggle. The kid’s a phenomenal athlete (and) people criticize him a little too much.”

Yeah, Martinez makes mistakes and his fundamentals are important, Bell said, but added: “Hey, you make plays, you’re good with me.”

Bell surely has a stake in what Martinez does. The sophomore caught 32 passes last season and stands to duplicate or even improve that number in 2012.

So he’s not all that interested in the degree of Martinez’s arm angle or the steps he takes in the pocket. The things Bell finds more important from the junior quarterback are the better communication he has with the offense and his greater presence in the huddle.

“I care about whether he’s leading us the right way and whether he’s accomplishing his mission, and the mission is making our offense run,” Bell said. “And if he can do that, I don’t care if he throws the ball behind his back if it’s where it’s supposed to be and when it’s supposed to be there.

“I love the guy. I got a lot of respect for him. And I got his back, and he’s got mine.”