NAPA — Carson Palmer isn’t fond of the statistics he has compiled through two preseason games, but he isn’t losing sleep over it.

In some of the more reactionary parts of Raider Nation, where members are fond of social media, Palmer is already an “issue.”

He is throwing interceptions. Missing open receivers. Making bad decisions.

Critics have all the proof they need by looking at the bottom line — Palmer is 16 of 30 for 140 yards, a 53.3 completion percentage with no touchdown passes and two interceptions for a passer rating of 38.2.

For those who believe that preseason football is a precursor to regular-season performance, the numbers are almost too JaMarcus-like to contemplate.

Palmer, while not defending his interceptions and conceding to some errors within the offense, also recognizes it is a different game.

For instance, Palmer might go to a specific receiver simply to give him some work. Or attempt to force one into coverage just to see if it’s possible. Risk-reward doesn’t apply, because in the grand scheme, there is no risk. Only a potential reward and information to be gleaned regardless of the result.

“That’s what (preseason) is for, really, unless you’re a young guy that hasn’t played and just wants to get acclimated to the speed of the game,” Palmer said. “I’ve been around long enough, and that’s not something I’m trying to do.

“There are things we’ll work on and plays we’ll put in we normally wouldn’t put in, or if we want to see if this guy can run by that guy. There are a ton of situations that come up where you do things you wouldn’t do in a regular-season game.”

Both of Palmer’s interceptions were on deep throws — an overthrow to Jacoby Ford against Dallas when he got a single-safety look that dictates taking a shot downfield, and another high-and-away shot to Richard Gordon that Arizona’s Kerry Rhodes picked off and returned 60 yards.

Although the Raiders went into a regular-season mode and actually began doing some game-planning for Saturday’s exhibition against the Detroit Lions, Palmer’s approach still will be more of a fact-finding mission than a quest for efficiency and a high passer rating.

Ford is injured, Denarius Moore remains out because of a hamstring strain and Darrius Heyward-Bey was back at practice but has a shoulder injury. That puts undrafted rookie Rod Streater into the starting lineup and means lots of time for fifth-round draft pick Juron Criner.

“Part of it is let’s see how they handle being starters, being in with the ones,” Palmer said. “I know there’s going to be a lot on a handful of guys’ plates, but it’s a good chance to see how they react to the situation.”

Raiders coach Dennis Allen has brushed aside any talk of Palmer’s struggles.

“I don’t have any reservations or any doubts at all about Carson Palmer,” Allen said.

Palmer looks at the 10 series he has played in two games and sees three Sebastian Janikowski field goals, a lot of mistakes and an equal amount of potential.

“It’s encouraging to know we’ve made a bunch of mistakes, and we’ve still moved the ball,” Palmer said. “We’ve been nowhere near where we can be when we’re all clicking and on the same page. It’s just a matter of time. We just need to keep working, keep our heads down and keep playing.”

For more on the Raiders, visit the Inside the Oakland Raiders blog at ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders. Follow Jerry McDonald on Twitter at Twitter.com/Jerrymcd.