Jack Clarke scored twice to ensure an impressive 3-1 victory for Sunderland that handed former Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray a welcome return to Ewood Park.
The Black Cats claimed the win against a Blackburn side who opened the game with purpose.
Yet Rovers were made to pay after conceding a 27th-minute penalty which Clarke converted from the spot after being fouled by Ryan Hedges.
Harry Leonard equalised within a few minutes, before Daniel Neil restored the visitors' advantage right on half-time.
Clarke grabbed a third for Mowbray's side to end Blackburn's 15-year unbeaten run against Sunderland at Ewood Park.