ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- For the first time in his career, Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor will be starting a regular season game. Taylor is entering his fifth year in the league, and his first in Buffalo after backing up Joe Flacco for four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.

If Taylor is preoccupied at all, he hasn't showed it.

"I don't really get nervous before games," Taylor said. "Of course it's my first start, but we've been playing preseason games, been around these guys and just looking forward to going out there and seeing what we can do as a whole."

Taylor's first NFL test is a tough one as the Bills are matched up with the Indianapolis Colts; a popular pick to win this year's Super Bowl. However, Bills Head Coach Rex Ryan thinks his young quarterback can handle the challenge.

"He's cool, he's ready for this day," Ryan said. "His teammates are ready to support him, so I am excited about that."

Taylor beat out fellow quarterbacks E.J. Manuel and Matt Cassel for the starting job, partly due to his superior athleticism, but perhaps more so because of his decision making ability.

"I don't think he gets enough credit for being a smart quarterback," Bills running back LeSean McCoy said. "He's very intelligent and that's the thing that a lot of fans probably won't know. Watching him on the field, he makes good throws, he's obviously very elusive and gets away from the defenders, but he's very smart."

Although he's been a backup until this point in his career, it appears Taylor has been groomed for success. As the second string quarterback for the Ravens, he gained valuable experience with a perrennial playoff team and he was a part of the Super Bowl winning Ravens squad from three seasons ago.

"I definitely think that prepared me for this moment," Taylor said. "How to prepare for a game, being in a Super Bowl run. As far as a team, seeing how we prepare week in and week out definitely prepared me for this opportunity that I have here."

Taylor's opportunity begins at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. this Sunday, September 6 at 1 p.m.