Why does Palmer keep trying to throw against Bailey?

Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) intercepts a pass intended for Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. The Broncos won 38-24. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.  That has to be the thinking of Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer.

While in Cincinnati, Palmer played the Denver Broncos and cornerback Champ Bailey three times (2004, 2006 and 2009).  In those three games, Bailey defended three passes (one of which he tipped and was intercepted) and intercepted two more passes himself.

Surely, Palmer has learned his lesson.  Right?

Nope.

Early in the first quarter of Sunday’s game in Oakland, Palmer hit receiver Jacoby Ford on a traditional curl route against Bailey.  Bailey was not able to break on the ball in time and whiffed on the tackle and Ford was able to run for a 34-yard gain before Bailey tracked him down and made the tackle (forcing a fumble in the process).

Later in the second quarter, Palmer hit receiver Denarius Moore for a six yard gain against Bailey.  On the next play, as if he had been toasting Bailey all day and had a favorable match-up in a fifth round draft pick, Palmer targeted Moore again on a fade route — with Bailey in coverage.

The result was Bailey’s first of two interceptions on the day, the other coming later in the game when rookie linebacker Von Miller pressured Palmer into throwing off balance.  Bailey walked away from the game with 50 career interceptions, four courtesy of Palmer.

One thing is certain, Palmer obviously didn’t watch NFL Network while he was locked out and holding out the past few months.