Defenses are more and more designed to stop pass heavy teams. If the Ravens establish a powerful running game it will force the defense to bring more defenders in the box. Pass rushers won't have their ears pinned back so they don't take themselves out of a running play. This will allow for more favorable conditions to pass.

I wish I had stats, but my impression is that Torrey was drawing lots of double coverage last year. The simple math of 1 receiver getting 2 defenders has to free up someone to have a more favorable match up. Most teams can take away a weapon if that is their focus. The way Torrey can run away from defenders when he's getting man coverage should be feared, think Champ Bailey in the playoffs. With a strong running game, Joe's arm strength the speed we have a wide receiver, the offense can exploit what the defense gives them. Sticking a defender out on an island is done at the risk that the deep ball will tear the roof off of the defense.