In the final preseason game Marcus Dowtin was one of the few bright spots as the Bills now begin to prepare for the regular season.
Dowtin was one of the top contributors on defense, registering an interception, two tackles, an assist and a deflected pass.
He picked off Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, grabbing the ball out of the air after wide receiver Nate Burleson tipped the pass that was intended for him.
"Anytime I'm out there on the field it's one of those things where I try to make every play a highlight," Dowtin said. "If I can help out the team in any way and a lot of the guys, then that's what I'm going to do."
Dowtin was one of nine players to register at least two tackles. Despite the outcome of the game, he is excited by the effort of his teammates in the second half.
"Guys came out there to play," Dowtin said. "We've got to start fast no matter who's out on the field and I have confidence in every one of those guys that touched the field. We just have to make sure we start fast and capitalize on every play we can make."
Dowtin also demonstrated his ability to pressure the quarterback. Early in the first quarter, he came untouched off the left side, forcing Stafford to scramble and throw his pass at the feet of running back Mikel Leshoure.
Coming from the Jets in 2012, Dowtin has experience working with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. Dowtin plans on using his experience to help out until everyone is comfortable in the defense.
"I want to make sure I help the other guys out as well," he said. "As of right now, until everybody else gets 100 percent, I've got to make sure I'm helping everyone else out and doing my job at the same time."
Head coach Doug Marrone complimented Dowtin following the game. He said Dowtin stepped up and made some nice plays.
Dowtin recognized the team has some work to do on both sides of the ball. He said there were a lot of three-and-outs, along with other errors that need some correcting.
He saw considerable time against the Lions. He played until the final minutes of the third quarter. His time on the field during the preseason was beneficial in helping him become more comfortable with the defense, which in turn allows him to contribute more, he said.
"It felt good to be out there again," Dowtin said. "'If I'm out there, I'm going to make some plays."
With final cuts coming down as soon as Friday, Dowtin gave himself a good chance of being out there come the regular season for the Bills.
