A disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core structure disposed therebetween. The absorbent core structure includes an upper nonwoven layer comprising polymer fibers, a lower nonwoven layer comprising polymer fibers, and an inner core layer disposed between the upper and lower nonwoven layers. The inner core layer includes from about 50% to about 85% cellulosic fibers, by weight of the inner core layer, and superabsorbent particles. The inner core layer is contained within the nonwoven layers by substantially sealing at least a left side region and a right side region of the upper and lower nonwoven layers. The absorbent article has a CD Dry Bending Stiffness between about 10 to about 30 N.Math.mm.sup.2 as measured according to the Wet and Dry CD and MD 3 Point Bend Method and a Total IFF+SFF value of between about 20 and about 200 mg as measuring according to the Acquisition Time and Rewet Method.