More dynamics. White reinforces the e5-pawn and creates new opportunities on the kingside.
Desperation, but 8 Bd4 was coming up with a complete restriction of Black's counterplay.
9...bxc6 10.Bxc6 Nf2+ 11.Kg2 Qxd4 12.Qxd4 Rxd4 13.Bxe8 Ne4 14.e6! Rd2+ 15.Kf3
Exploiting the exposed position of the queen on e2 in order to break through in the center.