1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3



                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS


         As independent petroleum engineers, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our report included
in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Tom Brown, Inc. for the year ended December
31, 2000 and to all references to our firm included in this registration
statement.

                                                /s/ Ryder Scott Company, L.P.


March 27, 2001