Northampton are at home to Newcastle Red Bulls on Saturday, a team they have already beaten three times this season, once in the league and twice in the Prem Rugby Cup.
Despite that, and the departure of Alan Dickens, Dowson believes Newcastle are a good side who will pose a big challenge for his team.
“The PRC I think we can discount based on the different characters [who played] in both groups and the fact that they’ve had a long time together to prepare for this game,” he said.
“From a man-management point of view, from an honesty point of view, from a doing things the right way point of view, Alan Dickens ticks all those boxes and more.
“I’m sure he’ll pick up a new job very quickly because he’s got both the game understanding and the human side as well.”
Back row Tom Pearson believes the improved weather in recent days will suit Saints as they look to seal a play-off place as quickly as possible in the eight games remaining.
“The sun’s out and the ball was really flying around [in training],” he told BBC Radio Northampton’s The Saints Show.
“As soon as you get to this time of the year we properly come alive – training at a very good level and I’m hoping for more of that for the rest of the season.”
