O-Line Gameplan

I have some questions.

Going into the Loeffler era, all indications were that we would be moving towards a smash-mouth running attack. Yet last year we didn't seem to be geared that way. In reviews of our o-line execution I remember reading a lot about influence blocking, sweeps, veers, etc.

Didn't we put more emphasis on getting players to the edge than power running?

Is it harder to execute influence/zone blocking than straight man?

If so, is it possible that we spent last year working on executing more difficult o-line techniques to lay the foundation for more dynamic playcalling in the years to come? Or were we simply attempting to mask our inexperience in the backfield? Or was it a little bit of both?

I'd love to be a team that can attack a defense with any manner of offensive strategies. ie. Your dline is weak? We're going to jam it down your throat. or, you have an aggressive pass rush? we're going to fool you out of your shoes and beat you on mid-range play action.