Martyn Waghorn's first goal for Hull put them ahead in a first half they dominated as they kept the ball in a fashion more accustomed to Doncaster under their recently-sacked manager Sean O'Driscoll.
Rovers' robust approach paid off after the break, though, with Simon Gillett getting on the end of Jon Parkin's knockdown - the latter putting his renowned burly presence to use against his former employers.
Doncaster's direct style was not lost on Pearson.
"Route one Doncaster; not something you thought you'd hear anyone say before the start of the season," he said.
"They're fighting for points and showed a lot of spirit.
"They bombarded us for a spell and we didn't track a run which cost us. But you have to give them some credit.
"They were second best in the first half and had to come up with an answer. They've had a difficult start to the season, need points, a new manager has come in and they've had a response.
The Tigers have scored seven goals this season - one goal on seven separate occasions - but Pearson defended his players against any possible critics of their goal-shy attack.
"It's very easy to look at the negatives from any performance and people normally do," he added.
"Until we start scoring more goals people will talk about our lack of goals. We need to score more goals but I do think we're making very good progress.
"I will be critical of my players when I need to, but I think at times we don't always get the credit we deserve."
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk