First-half goals from Charlie Wyke and Bailey Wright were twice cancelled-out by Matty Lund as the Black Cats dropped points on the road for the second time this season.
But did anyone emerge with credit from a disappointing display?
Scroll down and click through the pages as our chief football writer, Phil Smith, dishes out his merit marks from the 2-2 draw at Spotland:
1. Lee Burge
Little he could do about either goal, let down by some slack defending in front of him. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
2. Dion Sanderson
Made his debut on the right of the back three. Rochdale tested him early with a number of long balls and he stood up to the challenge. A relatively assured debut, with little chance to make an impact going forward. One fine late cross showed his potential on that front. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
3. Tom Flanagan
Looked assured on his return to the starting XI. Both goals came from down the left flank but Flanagan was steady and rarely troubled by the opposition. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Bailey Wright
Was perhaps fortunate to see his header beat the goalkeeper but it was a valuable contribution nonetheless. Had a very mixed night in possession, with his distribution erratic. 6 Photo: Frank Reid