Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has received plenty of harsh criticism early on his career, although not all of it has been warranted.

After a disastrous rookie season, in which he worked with three different offensive coordinators and two head coaches, Williams came into his sophomore year with plenty of raised expectations after the team hired Ben Johnson as their head coach.

Through three games, from an individual standpoint, Williams has flashed more potential with his new head coach, including the best performance of his young career in Week 3 when he threw for 298 yards, four touchdowns, no interceptions, no sacks and a 142.6 passer rating.

Following Williams’ performance against the Cowboys, legendary New York Giants quarterback and NFL broadcaster Phil Simms pushed back on the criticism the Bears quarterback has received, calling it one of the dumbest things he’s ever heard.

“That is the dumbest damn thing I’ve heard,” Simms said, via “Up & Adams,” when responding to critics who believed the Bears could draft another quarterback if Williams struggled. “Caleb Williams, any time last year, I know it wasn’t great, but he’s a damn rookie, he didn’t throw many interceptions. Caleb Williams’ size, mobility, and he doesn’t have a good arm, he has a borderline great arm. He can make plays down the field, that flea flicker, he threw the ball 50, 60 yards, like it was nothing. I like him, and I think it’s going to turn out really well for him and Ben Johnson.”

Turning out well, according to Simms, means that the Bears should win more games than the five victories than they did last year. Williams’ play against Dallas should lead to more confidence building not only in the quarterback but in the relationship between him and his new head coach, and it’ll silence critics and turn the conversation about Williams more towards positivity.

Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears QB Caleb Williams has huge fan in Phil Simms