It's that time of year again, so of course the Chicago Bears are predicting a breakout season at receiver for Devin Hester as training camp began.

Receivers coach Darryl Drake sees a lot of improvement in a lot of areas.

It remains to be seen if Hester can finally deliver that breakout season as a receiver. The Bears have predicted big things in the past, but he hasn't quite come through.

The Bears started using him on offense at the end of the 2007 season and gave him a 4-year extension before the following season that runs through 2013 with the idea that he would become a focal point on offense. It hasn't quite worked out that way. Hester had just 26 catches last year, his lowest total since 2007.

It's no secret the Chicago Bears failed to create enough havoc up front last season even with Julius Peppers, and defensive end Israel Idonije really didn't need the reminder.

He understands that's one area that needs to improve.

It sure would help if the Bears are going to deliver on the high expectations they're bringing into this season. With the trade for Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall and the depth they added throughout the roster, they believe they're poised to contend in the NFC and make a big playoff run after being wrecked by injuries last season on the way to an 8-8 finish.

They still have some question marks, though, and their ability to get to the quarterback is a big one despite the presence of Peppers.