LAKE FOREST -- It’s been over 11 months since Chicago Bears wide-out Devin Hester has returned a kick for a touchdown. That doesn’t sound like very long, but for one of the best return men in the history of the game it’s starting to become a topic.

Hester will have as good a chance as any to break the drought on Monday night against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field.

“This is a team we see some opportunities there,” Hester said. “At the same time we have to be patient.”

Hester wouldn’t go into specifics, but the fact remains his last punt return for a touchdown came against the Lions last November, and Detroit has given up two punt returns and two kick-off returns for touchdowns this year.

“Its seven years for me now, and I know once they hit they come in a bunch,” Hester said. “When it comes it comes.”

“It’s kind of hard to watch film on our opponents on special teams because things they do against other teams, they stir it up a little bit (against us). We just have to do our part no matter what kind of funky scheme they come up with.”

Add a prime-time game to the mix and Hester thinks the stars might be aligned. He’s had a flair for the national spotlight which has elevated his status around the league.

“I guess because everyone is watching,” Hester shrugged when asked of his prime-time abilities. “Everyone is watching the game.”

When asked again if the drought is coming to a close, Hester didn’t flinch: “Yeah, I do.”