But the Black Cats were guilty of squandering numerous gilt-edged chances with Scotland international Kevin Kyle completely out of touch and strike- partner Marcus Stewart not faring much better.
Rotherham relied totally on defence to claim a third successive away draw and could only muster one shot on target as they hung on desperately for a hard-earned point.
Manager Ronnie Moore offered no apologies and claimed most sides would employ the same tactics in a bid to avoid defeat.
"We knew it would be a tough old game coming here and I could not ask for more from my players,'' he said. "They have worked their socks off and we knew we would have to play that way.
"There are different ways to get points and not many teams will come here and attack Sunderland. We are getting close to getting out of the bottom three and what we have to do now is win our home games."
Sunderland were in complete control and had Kyle scored one of the many opportunities which came his way early on the outcome would have been completely different.
And when he did manage to direct his efforts on target Mike Pollitt, who enjoyed a brief spell at Sunderland six years ago, was in brilliant form to earn his side the most unlikely of points.
Rotherham lost defender Rob Scott with suspected knee ligament damage early in the second half but despite all Sunderland's pressure, were rarely in danger of surrendering their hard-earned point.