Cam Skattebo called out NFL officials after he was flagged for trucking a defender in the New York Giants’ win over the Houston Texans.

On Sunday, with J.J. McCarthy making his first start for the team since his trade and Skattebo back in the fold after being benched, the Giants stunned the Texans on the road with a 27-21 overtime win. McCarthy produced an efficient performance, completing 20-of-28 passes for 243 yards - but Skattebo proved to be the spark.

The sophomore running back turned 17 carries into 124 yards and a touchdown in a perfect bounce-back performance after being relegated by head coach John Harbaugh. Skattebo and his violent style of play were critical to the win, although he was surprised to receive a flag on one particular run.

In the first quarter, Skattebo took a handoff from McCarthy and found a crease, lowering his helmet to run over Texans safety M.J. Stewart. He crashed into the defender and continued barreling forward, showcasing the type of strength that usually lands on NFL highlight reels.

However, a flag was thrown on the play when Skattebo was penalized for unnecessary roughness after lowering his helmet into contact. It’s a surprising but not uncommon call; when helmet-to-helmet hits happen in the NFL, more often than not, they are called on a defensive player leading with their helmet when making a tackle. Harbaugh, like Skattebo, was confused by the call.

After the game, Skattebo took aim at the NFL for its inconsistent view of his game and style. When asked about the flag, Skattebo told reporters: “The NFL loves to post me when I do stuff like that, but then also wants to take stuff from me.

“I’m going to run the ball like I want to run the ball. If I'm going to continue to get flags for it or fined for it, guess I'm going to play for free. I’m gonna do what I can to be on this team, to give everything I got, and if they’re gonna punish me for that, then I’m just gonna keep doing it, keep playing hard.”

Skattebo’s fumbles have been a cause for concern, but he returned to the offense in a big way in Week 7. He put up a stunning 7.3 yards per carry and scored a 16-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The Texans responded with a game-tying touchdown with 52 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime, and the Giants' defense forced a swift three-and-out. On New York’s second play of overtime, Skattebo broke free for a 42-yard run.

His burst ultimately set up the winning play, as former Texans running back Devin Singletary followed up with a 30-yard touchdown run on the next play to secure the walk-off win and send the Giants' sideline into a frenzy.

The win means the Giants have improved to 4-2-1 and taken control of the NFC East, two wins clear of the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles at 2-4. The two teams face off on Monday Night Football.

The Giants have a bye in Week 8 and return to face the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Nov. 8.