Q&A: Mike Peterson to be inducted in Florida hall of fame

Q: What has been the key to the defense's hot start this season?

A: I credit a lot of it to the guys knowing what to do. When you know what to do, you're able to play fast and make plays. We are also holding guys accountable.

Q: Being the veteran, has it been key to make sure the young guys stay on task?

A: It's my job to not let the guys get too high. It's my job to let them know we haven't arrived yet. We haven't done anything.

Q: What's been the key to the run defense, which is ranked eighth in the league?

A: It's been about guys staying in their place and not trying to make plays that are not their plays to make. We are playing within the scheme of the defense. ... The linebackers, we compete amongst ourselves. For instance, who is going to make the first play? Who is going to make the most plays? Who is going to make that big hit? Who is going to make that interception? We have a competitive thing we have between ourselves.

Q: What does it say about your young guys when rookie Sean Weatherspoon goes down and Stephen Nicholas, who lost his job to him, comes in and you all don't miss a beat?

A: You have to give a lot of credit to Nick. He could easily have moped around or found some excuse or think that everybody is against him. I pulled him to the side when it was going on, to tell him to keep playing. It's a long season. You are going to get your shot. Just keep playing. That's what he did. He accepted his role. Coach [Mike] Smith always says that everybody has a role on this team. You might not like your role, but you've got a role.

Q: How's the transition to Atlanta been for you after playing in Indianapolis and Jacksonville?

A: It's a little different, as far as dealing with the bigger city and traffic. The market is a little bigger and I think I've adjusted pretty well. I have a couple friends up here and they kind of keep me away from trouble and keep me on a straight line. Also, the guys on the team accepted me and that made my transition so much easier. All I had to was go out and play football.

Q: What was it like getting the news that you were going to be inducted in the University of Florida hall of fame in April?

A: Shocking. I've kind of just been working and trying to achieve so many different things, but you never get a chance to sit back and look at those achievements or those rewards. I think this is a reward that I'm grateful for right now. ... I'm in awe of it.

Q: How old are your sons?

A: Three and six months. They don't have a clue about what's going on.