EAGAN, Minn. — Mike Zimmer already had an answer to the looming question.

The Vikings head coach met with the media Thursday, and the topic of turnovers was broached.

Mainly how opposing teams have put the ball on the ground nine times…

"And we've got one," Zimmer finished the thought.

The Vikings are one of nine teams in the NFL with just a single fumble recovery on defense this season. The Eagles, Minnesota's opponent on Sunday, are also included in that group.

The chances have certainly been there for Zimmer's defense, but the lone fumble recovery came in Week 1 against the 49ers.

Since then, the Vikings have failed to pounce on loose balls — all eight of them.

"We've had some opportunities and haven't gotten them, so it's a point of emphasis," Zimmer said. "Hopefully we can get some more on the ground."

Vikings defensive end Stephen Weatherly said he missed a chance at one in Week 4 against the Rams.

"Last game I had the opportunity to get one, and I've got to be more aware," Weatherly said. "No one was expecting the ball to come out. But when you rally to the ball and get more guys to the ball, you've got to be ready that anything can happen, including the ball coming out.

"I should have gotten on that one," Weatherly added. "That's something we're definitely emphasizing … when we do get an opportunity to get the ball, whether it's in the air or on the ground, we've got to get it."

While the Vikings are one of nine on defense in recovering fumbles, the offense has lost possession four times on six total fumbles.

While those numbers usually even out over time, Weatherly said the numbers aren't skewed by chance.

"It's not much about luck. It's about finishing," Weatherly said. "When someone gets there and then the second guy got there faster than expected and got the ball out, the third guy is running to the ball, and he's on it and now we're going the other way."

Minnesota is currently tied for 20th in the NFL with a minus-2 turnover differential. Philadelphia is tied for 26th at minus-3.

After meeting in the NFC title game last season, neither team has a winning record.

Weatherly was asked if the familiar phrase that getting a victory in the turnover battle usually lead to more team wins was just a cliché.

"That is not a cliché. That is a hard fact … like the sky is blue," Weatherly said. "Coach Zim' did a presentation on it, you get a turnover and it increases your winning percentage up to the 70th percentile. If you get two, it's in the 80s.